Kemon Payne, a 15-year-old student from Southeast, died Wednesday after he was stabbed by another teen outside of the Northeast charter school that they attend, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on the scene and has been charged with second degree murder while armed, MPD said.

A large group of teens was gathered near KIPP DC College Preparatory when a fight broke out between the two boys around 3 p.m., according to a police account. Police don’t yet know the reason for the altercation. 

Payne’s father had just arrived to the campus to pick him up, his grandmother told the Washington Post. She described him as a caring, peaceful kid who had recently attended his first boxing tournament.

“It’s sad, period. Because this is something that did not have to happen,” Contee said at a press conference.

Students started returning to school for orientation last week, with the first day of classes beginning on Monday, according to the school calendar. Classes have been canceled for Thursday, Aug. 19 and school leaders said counselors would be available virtually to console the grieving community.

“I am writing you tonight with a tremendously heavy heart,” wrote the school’s principal, Stephanie Young, in a letter to parents, provided to DCist. “The sudden passing of a student is devastating for all of us, particularly for family and the staff the student knew well.”

Young said the incident happened at a MetroBus stop near the campus. MPD officers who were assisting with safe passage responded to the scene, according to police.

“Whatever comes of this, I’m sure that whatever the underlying issue is, it’s not going to be something that a kid — a 15 year-old kid — should have lost his life over today at the conclusion of school,” Contee said.