Student fatally shoots himself inside suburban middle school, police say
LYONS, Ill. (Sun-Times Media Wire) - A 7th grader fatally shot himself inside his school Wednesday in west suburban Lyons.
The male student was away from others when he shot himself at 1:30 p.m. inside George Washington Middle School at 8101 Ogden Avenue, according to Ray Hanania, spokesman for the Village of Lyons.
The student, who remains unnamed, was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he died, Hanania said.
He shot himself inside a restroom, according to a source.
The school was put on lockdown for about an hour before students were released early from school, Hanania said.
“This kind of incident is always a great tragedy for everyone, the family, the students, the school and the entire community,” Lyons Village President Christopher Getty said in a statement. “We’re heartbroken to hear that this happened.”
Police said there was no danger to other students of staff at any time.
“It’s a horrible tragedy,” District 103 board member Joanne Schaeffer said. “This boy’s family will need everyone’s prayers.”
Lyons police are handling the investigation.
An autopsy Thursday found the boy died of the self-inflicted gunshot wound and ruled his death a suicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
-------------------------------
If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are places to get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255. You can also chat with them online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
Here are some common warning signs of suicide, as provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings