Students, staff grieve loss of Richland High student

RICHLAND, Wash.-- Officials with the Richland School District sent an email to parents Monday morning confirming that a student at the school has died by suicide.

According to the email, the student passed away Saturday morning.

Benton County Coroner Bill Leach confirmed that the 14-year old girl passed away in her home Saturday.

"Suicides overall have been down this year," Leach said. "We're hoping that with the time of the year, and everything going on with COVID, that other of her friends get help if they're feeling depressed or helpless."

Leach said a 94-year old man died by suicide last week. He was found in a cemetery at his wife's grave.

"She had passed away nine years ago and he wanted to be with her," Leach said.

The Kennewick Police Department recently released an analysis of attempted and completed suicides for 2020 compared to the previous five years, and found that in the city limits, the number of suicides is down significantly overall.

"Up until ten days ago we were well under our annual average for this year," Leach said of suicide deaths rates in Benton County. "But we've had at least three in the past ten days."

Leach said it's important for parents to talk to kids about the recent death, and to seek help.

                          Click here for resources to help talk to your kids about suicide.

Richland High School plans to have counselors available for students to meet through Zoom in a breakout room, or schedule a home visit by contacting the office at 967-6535.

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.

- Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as 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, or behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings

If you or someone you know has had thoughts of self-harm contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.