The South Seneca Central School District is mourning the loss of a 14-year-old freshman.
District Superintendent Stephen Zielinski said that the district was ‘heartbroken’ by the news that freshman Ryan Sibley took his own life on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are heartbroken tonight to share the news of the tragic death of Ryan Sibley, who took his own life this afternoon on April 23rd,” the District said in a statement. “The Sibley family supports our efforts to share this information with our community.”
#SouthSenecaCSD is grieving tonight with the Sibley family https://t.co/VBx2T5oTde
— SteveParkerZielinski (@SteveParkerZ) April 24, 2019
“On Wednesday, April 24, our high school students will convene in our auditorium so we can address them directly to share the facts and to begin the work to grieve together. We will have extra student support staff in the building to offer counseling to all who are in need,” the statement continued. “Ryan leaves behind scores of friends and family members who will need some time to recover from the shock of his death, but will remember a bright and engaging friend, son, brother, and grandson who was enjoying his experience as a new student at the TST BOCES P-Tech School. He had already been making good friends there, and this tragedy now is affecting multiple school communities.”
District officials will be working to ensure that students are supported, but thanked the community and district for their support through this difficult time.
“In times like these we are reminded about what a supporting community we have a South Seneca, and how important it will be to look out for each other in the weeks ahead. Our condolences go out to the whole Sibley family, and we encourage anyone who needs help, or know of those who do, to reach out and ask,” the District concluded.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7, cost-free resource that provides confidential support for people in distress. Prevention and crisis resources are available as well by dialing 1 (800) 273-8255.
Sharing tragic news tonight, April 23. pic.twitter.com/HTgsSDqR68
— SouthSenecaCSD (@SouthSenecaCSD) April 24, 2019
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.