NEW PALESTINE — A 15-year-old New Palestine High School freshman died early Monday from a gunshot wound.
The young man, whose family lives in the Seifert Creek subdivision, was taken to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis shortly after 10:30 p.m. Sunday after paramedics and police responded to a 911 call. He died overnight.
Police said the fatal wound apparently was self-inflicted. New Palestine Police Chief Bob Ehle said the death is being investigated as a suicide.
Keith Fessler, principal at New Palestine High School, released a statement to parents shortly after 10 a.m. Monday saying he was deeply saddened to report that one of their freshman students had died.
School officials implemented their crisis plan and had extra counselors on hand at the high school with whom students, staff and teachers could talk. Fessler asked parents to please encourage their children to seek help from one of the counselors if they needed it.
“If you notice a change in your student’s behavior, please contact us at the high school immediately,” Fessler said.
Officials from the Sugar Creek Township Fire Department, New Palestine Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department were called to the home, where they found the boy on the back deck, according to a report. A .22-caliber handgun lay nearby.
Ehle said the boy’s mother wasn’t aware her son had a gun in their home. Police think it might have been a gift from an older relative who has since died.
Wes Anderson, director of school and community relations for the school system, said Monday was a sad day in the district. Like Fessler, he encouraged all students to speak to a counselor or administrator if they were having a difficult time.
“We want to make sure every support is available to our students, staff and families right now,” Anderson said.
Even as counselors made themselves available for consultation, the Southern Hancock School Board was expected to sign as early as Monday night a contract agreement with Hancock Regional Hospital for a mental health therapist. The therapist is expected to work solely in district buildings with students and families. Greenfield-Central schools entered into a similar agreement earlier this school year.
“This will allow us to provide additional crisis counseling services to our students in times of need, which is a great thing,” Anderson said.
