Sonoma Valley High mourns drowned student

The city of Sonoma is mourning the death of a Sonoma Valley High School senior who died while swimming in Nicaragua.

Brandon Barmore was taken to a hospital where he died Sunday, according to friends’ Facebook posts.

Sonoma Valley High School principal Kathleen Hawing said students were informed about Barmore’s death Wednesday and their parents were notified in a letter she sent.

A memorial gathering is planned for 2 p.m. on April 15 in the high school gym, Hawing said.

Barmore was on a spring break trip with Seeds of Learning, a Sonoma-based nonprofit that helps to build schools in Nicaragua and El Salvador, according to Hawing’s letter.

Hawing said:

“Just the fact that Brandon was on a service trip says a lot about his character. … He clearly was a fine young man and he will be missed.”

Sonoma Mayor Rachel Hundley said:

“My heart is broken by the tragic loss of one of our Sonoma Valley High School students. My thoughts and prayers are with Brandon Barmore’s family and classmates. This bright young man was taken from us too soon.”