Officials ask for respect for families after two recent Rigby tragedies
The Rigby community is looking for answers after two recent tragedies involving teens from Jefferson School District 251. School district officials, the Jefferson County Sheriff, and the Rigby Police are asking for the community to respect the families privacy after these tragedies. The sheriff office said the two incidents are not related.
The following statement was sent to Local News 8 and KIDK Eyewitness News 3 today:
Jefferson School District 251, the Rigby Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are currently working together to get those affected the help and support they need in dealing with the two recent tragedies in our community. Please respect the privacy of the families and know that because of the sensitivity of these recent incidents, information and details are not ours to release. These incidents are still under investigation. If you or your family need assistance the following links and websites are available.
The names of the students involved were not released.One teen has died and another is in the hospital, but their condition has not been released. Officials have not confirmed if either of the teens were attempting to commit suicide.
If you are concerned someone in your life may be considering suicide remember these signs:
Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself. Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain. Talking about being a burden to others. Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly. Sleeping too little or too much. Withdrawn or feeling isolated. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge. Displaying extreme mood swings. Preoccupation with death. Suddenly happier, calmer. Loss of interest in things one cares about. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order. Giving things away, such as prized possessions. Themes of death or depression in conversation, writing, reading or art.
If you see the above warning signs you can call the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or you can also visit www.sprc.org or www.spanidaho.org.
Editor’s note: This story original stated that two teens had died. This information was incorrect and the story has been updated to reflect the updated information.
