Amanda Gorman Shares Poem Reflecting on Death of Alex Pretti as Community Mourns

National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman has drawn attention to the death of Alex Pretti by sharing a moving poem reflecting on grief, loss and the search for justice, as public sadness surrounding the case continues to grow.

Gorman, whose work has often addressed themes of violence, remembrance and collective healing, shared the poem on her social media channels this week, according to those who attended an online reading where the piece was first circulated. While she did not reference Pretti by name in the poem itself, organisers confirmed the work was written in response to news of his death, which remains under investigation by authorities.

The poem, described by listeners as restrained and elegiac, focuses on the sudden absence left behind after a young life is lost. Rather than detailing specific events, it explores the wider emotional impact on families and communities grappling with unanswered questions.

News that Gorman had written the piece quickly spread online, prompting an outpouring of emotional reactions. Many praised her for using her platform to highlight a case that has resonated widely, particularly among young people and families who say they see their own fears reflected in the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death.

Alex Pretti’s parents have been vocal in recent days, speaking publicly about their grief and their determination to understand what happened to their son. They have described finding a folded note in his work jacket and receiving a brief, unsettling final phone call shortly before his death — details that have intensified public interest and concern.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed the cause or circumstances of Pretti’s death, and police have urged against speculation while investigations continue. Despite this, the case has attracted widespread attention, driven in part by social media discussion and community vigils held in Pretti’s memory.

Gorman’s poem does not comment directly on the investigation. Instead, it centres on the emotional weight carried by those left behind and the way grief can coexist with hope and resolve. Attendees of the reading said the poem emphasised listening to families and resisting the urge to reduce tragedies to headlines.

“Amanda has always written about moments where personal pain meets public conscience,” said one literary organiser familiar with the event. “This poem fits squarely within that tradition.”

Gorman rose to international prominence after her reading at the 2021 US presidential inauguration, becoming known for poetry that blends lyrical language with social commentary. Since then, she has used her work to address issues including racial injustice, gun violence and collective mourning after public tragedies.

Cultural commentators say her decision to respond to Pretti’s death reflects a broader role poets have historically played during times of uncertainty. “Poetry often steps in where facts are still unfolding,” said one academic. “It gives space for emotion without claiming answers.”

Online reactions to the poem have been mixed but largely supportive. Many readers expressed gratitude for what they described as a respectful tribute, while others urged caution, noting the importance of allowing investigators to complete their work before drawing conclusions about the case.

Pretti’s family has not publicly commented on the poem, though supporters close to them said they were aware of it and moved by the attention being paid to their son’s story. Community members continue to leave flowers and messages at informal memorials, and several fundraising efforts aimed at supporting the family have gained momentum.

Police have reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and that any new information will be released when appropriate. In a brief statement, a spokesperson said officers were “aware of the heightened public interest” and thanked the community for its patience.

As discussions continue both online and offline, Gorman’s poem has become part of a larger conversation about how society responds to sudden loss, especially when questions remain unanswered. For many, it has served less as a statement and more as a moment of pause.

In the absence of clarity, the poem offers something quieter: acknowledgment of grief, and a reminder that behind every developing story is a family waiting for answers.