May 24, 2012
ATHENS, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Local clergy members and chaplains from the Sheriff's Dept. were on hand at McMinn Co. High School to assist school officials counseling students and staff members dealing with the loss of a 17 year-old girl who took her own life in a church parking lot on Tuesday.
“Our community has lost a beautiful, intelligent young person with so much hope and promise,” said Sheriff Guy. “It’s just devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, friends, and family.”
Authorities are wondering if bullying pushed a 17 year-old student to commit suicide, although Sheriff Joe Guy indicated his department has not found a direct link.
“Neither her parents, school administrators, nor our school resource officers had received any reports that she was a victim of bullying prior to this unfortunate incident," said Sheriff Guy.
He added that his department is continuing to investigate.
"If any kind of intimidation or harassment occurs in our schools, it needs to be reported before a tragedy happens," said Sheriff Guy before issuing a plea to any student aware of such harassment to reach out to a teacher, parent, guidance counselor, minister, or school resource officer.
"Our community is committed to dealing with the problem of bullying, but we need people to speak up before, not afterward when it is too late,” he continued.
