Lindley Estes writes about Spotsylvania County schools, King George County Schools and other issues of interest to the community.
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Crisis counselors at Massaponax after teen’s death
RESOURCES: The following information is offered as a resource to parents, students and others in the community.
Anyone who is in crisis can call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) This number is manned 24 hours a day.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers the following Warning Signs of Suicide.
Warning signs of suicide include:
- Observable signs of serious depression:
Unrelenting low mood
Pessimism
Hopelessness
Desperation
Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension
Withdrawal
Sleep problems
- Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
- Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
- Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
- Making a plan:
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm
Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications
- Unexpected rage or anger
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A Massaponax High School senior died early this morning on Interstate 95 in what Virginia State Police said was a suicide .
Crisis teams are at the school this morning to assist students and staff in dealing with their grief over the young man’s death, Spotsylvania County schools spokeswoman Rene Daniels said.
The 17-year-old died after being struck by a vehicle on the southbound lanes of -95, Virginia State Police Sgt. Les Tyler said.
He said the incident happened about 1:35 a.m. The teen apparently jumped off of the Route 208 bridge that crosses the interstate.
Traffic along I-95 got by the scene by traveling on the shoulder while police investigated. The scene was cleared just after 4:30 a.m., Tyler said.
