The rope fashioned into a noose found in a boys locker room at Athens High School in Troy on Thursday afternoon was a "cry for help surrounding some ongoing mental health issues," school officials said in a letter to families in the Troy School District that was sent Friday.

Principal Lara Dixon emailed a letter about the incident on Thursday evening to families that explained how students coming from a physical education class near the end of the day discovered the rope in the rear area of the locker room.

An investigation was immediately launched, the letter said. Administrators reviewed surveillance video from a nearby camera, in addition to speaking with the students who found the rope and staff who work in the immediate area.

"No note or writing was left in the shower area, nor have we developed any solid leads at this time," Dixon's first letter said.

Dixon explained that administrators are aware of "the hostile racial symbolism of a noose display" and emphasized that they were taking the incident very seriously, she also added that their investigation included whether or not the rope may have been intended for self-harm "for the rope was placed in an area seldom used and not readily visible."

Dixon urged families to have a conversation with their students about the "disturbing" incident.

By Friday afternoon, another letter signed by Dixon was emailed to families to update the situation.

According to the letter, administrators received leads from students and parents who were concerned about a particular student who may have been involved, and an investigation revealed that the rope appeared to be more of a cry for help, rather than a racially motivated incident.

The student responsible was identified and has been suspended pending the outcome of a hearing — "per our student Code of Conduct," Dixon explained.

In his letter, Dixon thanked members of the district community for coming forward with information, and asked families to connect with their students about any struggles they might be having with depression or mental health issues.

"The holidays are a very difficult time for many people, and we want our students to know that we care about each and every one of them. If you need resources to help, we stand ready to provide them. Please remember in the event of a mental health emergency when school is not in session, call 9-1-1 immediately,"

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Contact reporter Aleanna Siacon at ASiacon@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AleannaSiacon.