Counselors were on hand Wednesday at Bunsold Middle School.
Students and staff were learning of and dealing with the death of Laney Moore, a 13-year-old eighth grader at the school.
Lance Emberling, an investigator with the Union County Coroner’s Office, said Moore was found by her father, who called 911, about 1 p.m. Monday at the family home on Easton Road. The girl was taken to Memorial Hospital in Marysville, then to Nationwide Children’s’ Hospital in Columbus. Local officials were notified Tuesday evening that Moore had died.
“We are obviously very concerned anytime we have a suicide in the community,” said Dr. Phil Atkins, executive director of Union County Mental Health and Recovery Board. “But it is especially disturbing when it is a kid.”
School officials learned of the girl’s death Wednesday.
“Certainly, this is a difficult time and I would ask you to extend your thoughts and prayers towards the family, school and everyone impacted by this loss,” Marysville Superintendent Diane Mankins wrote in a letter to Marysville families.
Mankins wrote that the girl’s mother asked the community to continue to pray for the family. The mother also urged community members to become tissue and eye donors, “to help others.”
The superintendent also said the girl’s mother wanted the community to know she, “could not love or be more proud of our school district.”
School and health department officials have said grief is a complex and difficult emotion.
“Please be supportive of each other during this difficult time,” Mankins wrote. “Especially with our teenagers, please stay vigilant and monitor your child’s emotions and mental well-being.”
She said counseling supports would be available, “for as long as needed for Bunsold Middle School students.” She added that students at other buildings should contact their school counselor.
“I am confident our community will come together to support one another during this difficult time,” Mankins said.
Atkins said there have been too many youth suicides. He said the community is doing a good job identifying youth with the traditional risk factors, but recent suicide victims have not been students that “conventional wisdom would identify as at risk.”
He said those deaths have been, “kind of random.”
“Anytime there is a tragedy, people want someone to blame,” Atkins said. “This is not up to the schools to solve. This is not up to Mental Health and Recovery to solve. This is up to all of us. This is a community health problem.”
Holly Zweizig, Adult Systems of Care Director for Union County Mental Health and Recovery Board, has asked that anyone “concerned for yourself or a loved one, please call the crisis hotline 1-800-731-5577 or text 4HELP to 85511.”
She said Maryhaven also offers walk-in crisis services during business hours. Maryhaven is located at 15 S. Plum St., Marysville and can be reached at (937) 644-9192.
Those wanting help may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.
Students with an immediate need are asked to contact Nationwide Children’s Hospital Crisis Hotline at (614) 772-1800.
The Mental Health and Recovery Board also offers a series of resources as well as a free, online mental health assessment.
Suicide experts say friends and family members can also contact resources to help others. Officials said some warning signs may be helpful to determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
Signs include:
– Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
– Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
– Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
– Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
– Talking about being a burden to others.
– Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
– Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
– Sleeping too little or too much.
– Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
– Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
– Extreme mood swings.