SALISBURY, Md.- Authorities are investigating, as an apparent suicide, the death of a 16-year-old female Wicomico High School student whose body was found hanging Monday morning from a tree in back of East Salisbury Elementary School's playground.
According to the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to East Salisbury at around 8:43 a.m. to investigate the incident.
"At this time an investigation into the circumstances of this individual’s death are being investigated and more information will be released later," said Lt. Tim Robinson of the Sheriff's Office in a release.
The circumstances of this incident are not believed to be connected to the school itself, Robinson said.
Paul Butler, director of communications for Wicomico County Public Schools, confirmed the student's age and where she went to school.
"We had grief counselors on site, our Crisis Intervention Team was on site to help with any students, staff, or any parents who may need to talk to them," Butler said.
Wicomico High's Principal Don Brady called parents shortly after 11 a.m. to notify them about the incident.
On Monday afternoon, Wicomico County Public Schools issued the following statement regarding the student's death:
"Wicomico County Public Schools is saddened by a tragic incident that occurred prior to the start of the school day. A Wicomico High School student died unexpectedly prior to the start of the school day. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions, especially with our students.
"Monday morning, school principals at Wi-Hi and East Salisbury Elementary notified parents by phone about the student death. WCPS immediately sent out Crisis Intervention Teams, made up of professionals, and trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. Staff members, including counselors and psychologist, are on-site throughout the county to meet with students, both individually and in groups.
"We have counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss, and encourage our WCPS parents to also feel free to use our resources."
Wicomico County Superintendent of Schools Donna Hanlin said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the loss to our school community and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and all those impacted by this student’s tragic death. We will make every effort to help our students, staff and parents as they need.”
Editor's note: If you or a loved one is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know needs help and are local to the area, you can call the Life Crisis Helpline at 410-749-4357. And no matter where you are, you can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.