Officials say a 10-year-old boy at West Elementary School in New Canaan who died unexpectedly had tested positive for the flu.

The superintendent says the fourth-grade student was a wonderful and friendly boy who was known throughout West Elementary as the voice of the afternoon announcements that concluded each day.

"Everybody knows him," says Dr. Bryan Luizzi. "He was...the kind of kid who leaves a mark on your heart as an educator. When you meet him and see him -- just makes you smile every time you see him."

The school asked News 12 to withhold the student's name. He played for the Connecticut Roughriders hockey team and died while on his way home from a game Sunday morning.

The New Canaan Health Department confirms the boy tested positive for the flu. Dr. David Reed strongly recommends that people get their flu shots because there is a higher-than-usual number of cases this year.

Reed says if a child was exposed to the boy, particularly his teammates, parents should take them to a pediatrician. He says the antiviral drug Tamiflu can help, if the doctor sees fit.

Moving forward, Luizzi says the district will be sending out information to parents on how to address the tragedy with their children. A clinical team will be at the school Tuesday for support.