GREENFIELD — Greenfield-Central High School students are mourning the death of a classmate as they return to school this week.
Jacob Root, 16, of Greenfield, was found unresponsive in a Greenfield home last week. His cause of death remains under investigation by local police.
Jacob was a high school junior who enjoyed video gaming, playing music and hanging out with friends. He is survived by his mother, Shawn; his father, Michael; and a brother, Ethan, according to his obituary.
Greenfield Fire Territory medics and Greenfield Police Department investigators were called to a home in the 900 block of Gondola Run in Greenfield just after noon Jan. 3 on a report of an unconscious juvenile, officials said.
Despite efforts to revive Jacob, he was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
The teen’s death has been under investigation by police since then. Officers declined to release any further information.
School officials sent an email to parents Monday announcing Jacob’s death and letting them know counselors would be available to talk with grieving students this week. A moment of silence was also held in Jacob’s honor during the Greenfield-Central’s varsity boys basketball game Friday night.
Friends of Jacob and his family created an online fundraiser to help cover the cost of his funeral expenses. Contributions can be made by visiting YouCaring.com and searching for “Jacob Root.”