Arlington High School community copes with loss of 16-year-old

Arlington High School community copes with loss of 16-year-old
Published: Feb. 24, 2015 at 10:02 PM CST|Updated: Feb. 25, 2015 at 12:13 AM CST
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MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - The Arlington High School community is coping with the death of a 16-year-old student.

WMC Action News 5 chose not to report his name out of respect for his family.

Investigators say the student parked on the Davies Plantation Road overpass on Monday and ended his life by jumping onto Interstate 40.

The school released the following statement:

Arlington Community Schools is saddened to learn of the death of one of our Arlington High School students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student's family during this extremely difficult time. A team of grief counselors will be available for students/staff who may need assistance in coping with this tragedy. We encourage any student in need of help to reach out to our team of counselors.

The executive director of Memphis Crisis Center says knowing the warning signs is the first way to prevent teen suicide.

"Risk taking behaviors can be anything," Mike LaBonte said. "I'm talking about acting out. Sometimes you may see increased irritability. You may see increased aggressiveness."

In 2014, Memphis Crisis Center received more than 20,000 calls. Of those, 1,200 were concerning suicides.

The center says if anyone comes to you asking for help, listen and seek guidance from a resource center.

"If a person discloses to you that they're thinking about suicide, one of the things you want to do is don't act shocked," LaBonte said. "Do not be judgmental, be calm. Listen to what they have to say."

For more information about Memphis Crisis Center, click here. Or you can call 901-274-7477

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