Coweta Community Reacts To Freshman Student's Suicide

Parents and students express their shock after a 15-year-old freshman shot and killed himself Monday morning.

Monday, February 4th 2013, 4:54 pm

By: News On 6


A 15-year-old male student shot and killed himself Monday morning at the Intermediate High School.

Coweta's superintendent nearly came to tears when describing what happened. While the student's name has not been released, parents in the school district tell me this is their worst nightmare come true.

Police were called to Coweta's Intermediate High School shortly after 8:35 Monday morning. A 15-year-old male student had shot himself and committed suicide in a school bathroom.

Parents began arriving shortly afterward to pick up their children.

"It's a parents worst nightmare. I've never been that scared for my kids," said Coweta parent Brandi Tramel.

It was frightening for the students too.

"It's pretty scary," said junior Trista McHolland.

"Just how would it - never really thought it would come to Coweta. Just put it that way," said John Wright, a junior.

SkyNews 6 video showed the line of cars as worried parents arrived at the school. Many couldn't describe their emotions only saying they're thrilled their kids are safe.

"I really can't right now, just glad I got them," said parent Stephanie McHolland as she picked up her kids.

Investigators with the Coweta Police Department would not say much about the incident and have yet to release the student's name. Superintendent Jeff Holmes fought back tears during an afternoon news conference.

2/4/2013 Related Story: Police: Coweta Student Dead Of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

"Want parents to know that we care about their kids. We care about every single one of their kids. That's all I have at this point," he said.

Rachel McClanahan is a freshman. She says she knows the male student and even talked to him earlier in the morning.

"He was kind of down that's why I asked him, 'How was your morning, how are you doing?' and he said, 'Fine.' We talked for a little bit and then I said, 'Well I hope you have a great day.' and then he just walked away," she said.

All of those we spoke with say it's beyond belief that a student would take his own life inside a Coweta school. They say this is a day that will stay with them forever. 

"This has changed a lot," said parent Brandi Tramel. "It doesn't happen in your town. It's not supposed to happen here. You never think that you have to check kids for guns coming in and out of schools."

The superintendent says classes at all Coweta schools, including the Intermediate High School, will resume Tuesday, February 5.

Coweta Police Department is investigating the incident. They say it's too early to tell if anyone else know of the student's plans.

 

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