MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Students were sent home Wednesday morning after someone died by suicide on the campus of Mooresville High School, officials said.
In a statement to Channel 9, a district representative said police are investigating an apparent suicide.
Officials said students were dismissed at 9 a.m. but a counseling crisis team would remain on the Magnolia Campus Wednesday for students who needed to speak with someone.
[SPECIAL SECTION: Mental Health Resources]
“It just broke my heart, because if someone would’ve known the signs, if someone would’ve asked, ‘are you ok, alright?’ It could’ve saved his life,” said Fonda Bryant, a suicide prevention advocate.
“With all that’s going on, the coronavirus, the pandemic… a lot of stress, it’s sad,” said Rob Cole, a Mooresville resident. “It’s sad.”
The topic is bigger than one student at a particular high school. Some are now calling the mental health crisis among kids a national emergency.
In October, three major children’s health organizations declared a state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health amid the pandemic.
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According to data from Mental Health America, both North and South Carolina have higher rates of mental illness, but lower access to care, compared to other states.
On Wednesday, Bryant was teaching students at Hopewell High School how to recognize and respond to the signals that someone might be suicidal. That was when she heard about the student’s death in Mooresville.
She had been talking with students at Mooresville High about the same issue just two weeks prior.
Bryant believes her message resonated because she can relate. 25 years ago, she survived a suicide attempt.
“I’m here because someone saved my life. Anyone can save someone’s life, you don’t have to be a professional,” Bryant said. “And again, I talk to them about how to reach out to someone, how to talk to someone.”
Though classes at Mooresville High were called off for the day, the loss and pain will not go away any time soon. Bryant said the only way to cope is to keep the conversation going.
“It’s very uncomfortable, but we’ve got to have these conversations,” she said. “People are dying.”
The district said it would share more information as soon as it was able. Channel 9 has also reached out to police for comment.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential. Call: 1-800-273-8255.
More information about mental health and resources for where to get help can be found here.
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