PELHAM – A local elementary school student suffering from an underlying medical condition died from complications related to the H1N1 virus Nov. 17, said state and town officials. 

Officials did not release many details about the child, but Pelham resident Michael Koch identified the boy as Justin May, a fifth-grader at Pelham Elementary School and classmate of Koch’s son.  May had cerebral palsy, he said.

“(My son) was telling me that when he’d see him he’d give him high-fives in the hallway,” Koch said. “He knew of him, and he was a little sad when he found out (the next) morning.”

May’s family confirmed Justin had died, but declined to comment.

Superintendent Frank Bass said the school district was saddened to learn of May’s death. The boy was responding well to treatment, and swine flu was a complicating factor, not the primary cause, he said.

District guidance counselors were mobilized at Pelham Elementary School on Nov. 18 to talk with grieving students, teachers or staff. The boy was very well liked by students and staff, Bass said.

“We had counselors present to help out, and we targeted classes the child was involved in,” he said. “Everyone rallied very strongly in support, and I was very pleased and proud of their response.”

School officials have been in touch with the family. Bass described them as doing remarkably well, considering the circumstances.

May’s death is the third related to swine flu in New Hampshire and the second since Oct. 1. The death of a 22- year-old Hillsborough County woman in August was the first in New Hampshire linked to H1N1 virus. A Sullivan County adult also died last week, according to state health officials.

All had underlying medical conditions, putting them at greater risk, said Dr. Jose Montero, the state’s public health director.

The father of three schoolaged children, Koch said May’s death did not heighten his concern about swine flu. His two older children have not been vaccinated, though his 2-year-old received the vaccine Tuesday, Nov. 17.

“(May) had an increased risk of issues,” said Koch, a biochemist. “We are certainly taking our 2-year-old to the doctor, just because he’s in that risk group of being very susceptible ... Other kids had the flu this year, whether it was H1N1 or seasonal flu, and my kids have been exposed, and we’re staying vigilant.”

May is the third schoolaged child in the community to die this year, according to Bass. Robert Duffy, 15, succumbed to cancer in October, and Christian Gualtieri, 10, died while trick-or-treating Oct. 31 when a tree fell on him.

Bob Haverty, Board of Selectman chairman, extended an offer of support from the town to the May family. While the memorial arrangements are left to the family, the town will help in any way possible, he said.

“Obviously, as a parent, my heart goes out to the family,” Haverty said. “I’ll be thinking of them in this tragic time.  It's unthinkable."