Middle School Students Sent Home After Eighth-Grade Boy Found Dead On Campus

The students at Wendell Middle School in North Carolina were sent home early after an eighth-grade student was found dead on campus on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The parents of students enrolled in Wendell Middle School reportedly received a note from school authorities on Tuesday morning, Sept. 6, informing them that the students were being dismissed at 10:45 a.m. due to a “medical crisis” on campus.

Later, the school principal Catherine Trudell revealed that the classes were ended early because an 8th-grade male student, whose identity has not been disclosed to the public, had reportedly died on campus, the Daily Beast reported.

Even though Trudell did not reveal the nature of the boy's death, a local church whose pastors visited the school revealed that the boy had died of an apparent suicide.

When approached for comment, Wake County School officials said that they could not provide further details about the “medical crisis” without getting the consent of the student’s family. Meanwhile, Trudell informed the students' parents that support resources would be available on Wednesday, Sept. 7, to help the students if they need any guidance.

The student's death reportedly occurred on the same day that the Wake County school board received a presentation about suicide awareness as part of the district’s school mental health improvement plan, the News & Observer reported.

“Some of our schools are getting some unique challenges this week,” board chairwoman Lindsay Mahaffey said on Tuesday during a regular meeting. “Although intentionally vague, I do want to lift them up and know that we’re thinking of them and holding them in our hearts.”

Meanwhile, Monika Johnson-Hostler, another board member, reportedly said that she had thought about removing references to September being Suicide Prevention Month from her presentation after the tragic incident on campus. However, she decided to keep them in.

“All the love to the family and the community today,” Johnson-Hostler said during board comments. “Thank you all who have sent notes saying I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a school board member today.”

If someone you are concerned about is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by texting or dialing 988, or call 1-800-273-TALK.