Community Corner

Westhill High School Junior Commits Suicide [Updating]

According to Stamford city officials Friday morning, a 15-year-old Westhill High School student took his or her own life Thursday night. School representatives, however, could not confirm the age as being 15 or 16 years old as some members had received conflicting reports, nor could they confirm the victim's sex by noon Friday as the name had not been released to the Stamford Public Schools press office. However, one school official said, in conversation, the student had been referred to as female. 

The Board of Education has been notified of the incident. Stamford Public Schools Executive Director of Support Services and Special Programs Mike Meyer said counseling services would be available Saturday at the Yerwood Center.

The Stamford Public Schools administration issued a statement late Friday that read as follows:

"We are saddened to learn of the death of one of our students.  We are deeply affected by this tragedy and our sympathy goes out to the student’s family and friends.

"The death of a student affects our entire school community.  We provided grief counselors, psychologists, and social workers for any staff or student at school today and will continue to offer support next week.  Additionally, the Stamford Public Schools and the Child Guidance Center will also offer grief counseling and support to students and their families at the Yerwood Center tomorrow, Saturday, September 28th between 10:00am and 1:00pm.

Find out what's happening in Stamfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Our high school principals are also in the process of planning awareness education for students regarding resources and support available to all who may be struggling with personal or school issues.

"We are all dedicated to extending our outreach to support all students in our community. "

Find out what's happening in Stamfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the Stamford Police call log, the incident was reported shortly after 8 p.m. The Westhill High School website updated Friday with a comment about the passing of a junior at the school the previous evening. 

"It is with extreme sadness that we report that one of our Juniors passed away last night," the site said. "We request that you please watch very carefully over your children and we will do whatever is necessary to keep our students safe during the school day."

The Stamford Public Schools website also updated Friday, offering the following advice: 

"If you have concerns about your child during this time please reach out to your child’s guidance counselor for support. If you have an immediate concern you may call 211 for 24 hours crisis counseling support."

They also linked to this document detailing tips for helping children cope with loss, death and grief. 

Anyone needing to reach Westhill High School for assistance is asked to call 203-977-4838. The school has canceled the planned Welcome Back to School Dance scheduled for Friday evening. 

This is a developing story.


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