October 27, 2025
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Donation Page Set Up for Local Student After Dad’s Suicide Outside JAMS

Popular Santa Monica father Dan Callahan took his life outside of JAMS Saturday, June 23. He was well known in the community and coached many kids in sports.

Dan Callahan. Photo: Facebook.
A fundraiser has been set up for his son, Liam
Santa Monica Malibu School District (SMMUSD) issued this statement:
By Dr. Ben Drati.
Dear SMMUSD parents, staff, and community members,
We are sadly reporting the passing of a John Adams Middle School (JAMS) parent today, who took his own life in front of the school this morning with a firearm. 
We are devastated by this loss of a community member and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. 
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and we continue to work with local law enforcement officials and mental health professionals to address concerns our students and families are dealing with. 
We have resources on our health services page:   http://www.smmusd.org/health/depressionandsuicide.html  and you may call our office for support anytime. 
I want to reassure you that this was an isolated incident and that other than the deceased no other person(s) were in harms way or injured.
We have security and safety protocols in place at all of our campuses when school is in session. We are also continuously working with Santa Monica and Malibu authorities in evaluating our safety protocols for improvement. You have heard from me in the past regarding the issue of safety.
Please see previous safety messages on our website: www.smmusd.org/Superintendent. 
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