LAKE COUNTY, CA — Hidden Valley Lake Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of 14-Year-Old Andrew Roberts
A wave of sorrow has swept through the quiet community of Hidden Valley Lake in Lake County, California, following the tragic death of 14-year-old Andrew Roberts, whose body was discovered on June 8, 2025. In the days since this devastating event, grief has hung heavily over the neighborhood as loved ones, classmates, and neighbors unite to remember the bright, kind-hearted boy whose life was cut far too short.
Andrew’s sudden passing has left a profound void—not only in his family’s life but also in the heart of a community that had watched him grow. Known for his gentle nature, brilliant smile, and love for the outdoors, Andrew was a student at a local middle school where teachers described him as “a quiet leader” and “someone who always lifted others up.”
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Andrew was reported missing before his body was discovered. While the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, officials have indicated that there is no threat to the public. Still, the emotional toll on the Hidden Valley Lake community has been immense, as residents grapple with the heartbreak of losing someone so young, so unexpectedly.
In the wake of this tragedy, Andrew’s father, David Roberts, has become a central figure in a growing circle of support. A single parent who raised Andrew with fierce devotion, David has been surrounded by friends, local faith leaders, and volunteers who have come forward to offer comfort, meals, financial help, and emotional support. Vigils have been held at the community park and along lakeside trails where Andrew liked to bike and hike, with dozens attending to honor his memory by lighting candles and sharing stories of the boy they loved.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist the Roberts family with funeral expenses and has seen an outpouring of donations, reflecting the depth of empathy and solidarity felt across Lake County and beyond. “We may be a small town,” said one organizer, “but when one of us hurts, we all come together. This is what community means.”
Neighbors have also adorned the Roberts’ front yard with flowers, handwritten notes, and teal ribbons—Andrew’s favorite color. His classmates created a memory board filled with drawings, pictures, and messages to celebrate a life that, while brief, touched many.
“We are heartbroken,” said Pastor Mark Jennings of a local church during a community gathering. “But we are also reminded of how love shows up in these moments—in the meals cooked, the prayers lifted, the hands held, and the shoulders leaned on. Andrew was loved deeply, and he will not be forgotten.”
Mental health professionals and grief counselors have been made available at Andrew’s school and throughout the community, as both children and adults alike struggle to process the enormity of the loss. The school district issued a statement expressing its condolences and pledging ongoing support for students as they mourn the death of their classmate.
Plans for a celebration of life ceremony are currently underway, with details to be announced by the Roberts family in the coming days. In honoring Andrew’s spirit, the family has requested that donations in his memory be directed toward youth mental health organizations—hoping to turn their grief into a force for good.
As the investigation continues, one truth remains indisputable: Andrew Roberts left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and quiet courage. Though his time on Earth was brief, the impact of his life—and the outpouring of compassion in its wake—will endure as a powerful testament to the strength of community, the bond of family, and the enduring love between a father and his son.
Anyone with information regarding the circumstances surrounding Andrew’s death is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. In the meantime, Hidden Valley Lake will continue to mourn, support, and remember—a community united in grief, but even more so in love.