PARKLAND, Fla – Police said a second student committed suicide just days after a survivor of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School took her own life.
It’s not clear at this time if the latest suicide is related to the attack. Police have not released any information about the victim, including the student’s name. CNN reports the student was enrolled at the school at the time of death.
The news comes as members of the community continue to mourn the death of Sydney Aiello, who died last Sunday.
Aiello, 19, had recently graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas and was at the school when 14 students and three staff members were shot and killed on Feb. 14, 2018.
Aiello’s mother said her daughter was close friends with Parkland shooting victim Meadow Pollack. She said she felt survivor’s guilt and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
She said Sydney never asked for help before she killed herself.
Ryan Petty, whose daughter died in the shooting, said he’s focused effort to prevent suicide. He said parents need to make sure they’re talking to their kids about their mental health, even if it can be an uncomfortable subject.
“My advice to parents is to ask questions, don’t be afraid. Don’t wait,” Petty said.
Members of the Parkland community met Sunday night for an emergency meeting about suicide prevention.
“Parents have to have very frank discussions with their children right now, and I think the students need to have frank discussions with each other,” said Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky.
The community has set up a hotline to help with mental health issues and a new wellness center called “Eagles’ Haven” is opening next month in Coral Springs, Fla.
“Know that you are not alone,” said Cindy Arenberg Seltzer who serves on the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. “There are so many people who care and so many people who are here to help.”
