William Floyd HS Student Dies Unexpectedly After 16th Birthday

Hajir Barthelemy, a typical teenager who loved his phone and bike, passed away just one month after turning 16.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Sixteen-year-old Hajir Amir Hamza Barthelemy, a junior at William Floyd High School, unexpectedly passed away several weeks ago. Hajir had experienced epileptic seizures for eight years, but his condition was manageable with medication and he lived a relatively normal life. However, one night after telling his family he was tired and going to sleep, Hajir did not wake up, leaving his mother and twin sisters devastated. The cause of death has not been officially determined, but his mother believes it was related to his epilepsy.

Why it matters

Hajir's unexpected death at such a young age has left his family and community in shock. His story highlights the fragility of life and the challenges faced by those living with chronic medical conditions like epilepsy, even when the condition is considered manageable. This tragedy also underscores the importance of preparedness and support for families dealing with a sudden loss.

The details

Hajir was a typical teenager who enjoyed activities like swimming and horseback riding. Despite his epilepsy, he was able to attend school regularly with the help of a registered nurse to administer medication if needed. On the night of his death, Hajir told his family he was tired and going to sleep, but when his mother went to wake him up, he did not respond and was found blue in the face. His twin sisters, home from college, tried to perform CPR but were unable to revive him. The cause of death has not been officially determined, but his mother believes it was related to his epilepsy.

  • Hajir celebrated his 16th birthday on December 17.
  • Hajir passed away several weeks after his 16th birthday.

The players

Hajir Amir Hamza Barthelemy

A 16-year-old junior at William Floyd High School who unexpectedly passed away after experiencing epileptic seizures for eight years.

Daphnie Couamin

Hajir's mother, who is grieving the sudden loss of her youngest child.

William Floyd High School

The high school Hajir attended, where he was a junior.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't even get there ... you know?. I'm pretty sad.”

— Daphnie Couamin, Hajir's mother (Patch)

“He was special.”

— Daphnie Couamin, Hajir's mother (Patch)

“I never in a million years thought that would be what took him.”

— Daphnie Couamin, Hajir's mother (Patch)

What’s next

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office is still working to determine the official cause of Hajir's death.

The takeaway

Hajir's unexpected passing at just 16 years old is a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those managing chronic medical conditions. His story underscores the importance of preparedness and support for families facing sudden loss, as well as the need for continued research and advancements in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.