A ninth grader at Princeton High School took his own life in his home some time overnight Wednesday, law enforcement sources confirmed.

At the end of the second period Thursday morning, teachers read a brief statement about the teen’s death. Students who needed help dealing with the loss were encouraged to go to the school’s guidance office.

Superintendent of Schools Steve Cochrane sent an email to parents about the death, and a statement was posted on the district’s website Thursday afternoon.

“All of us in the Princeton Public Schools were deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of one of our freshman at Princeton High School. Our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends and with everyone affected by this tragic loss,” Cochrane wrote. “Staff at Princeton High School shared the news with students in classrooms this morning.”

Cochrane said guidance counselors and other trained professionals are available throughout the school and across the district to provide support for both students and adults. Officials have also posted a list of other resources about grieving on the district’s website.

“The entire district mourns this loss, and we recognize that many of our students may be affected by it,” Cochrane wrote. “We encourage parents to contact our schools if they feel their child may be especially affected and could use additional support.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) any time to be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center.

Editor’s Note: Covering a suicide is always a sensitive issue. We decided to report this story because suicide is such a critical public health issue in our community. We have covered far too many suicides over the past few years. We feel that not discussing suicides and not reporting on them is not the answer. We have followed the guidelines of several groups on how to cover suicide responsibly. We know the teen’s identity, but we are not releasing it out of respect for the family, and because the student was a minor. Our condolences to the family and friends of this teen.

