According to the Wyoming Department of Health, suicide rates in the State of Wyoming are consistently higher than other states. Know the warning signs and where to get help. Additional resources at the end of this article.
Park County Sheriff’s are investigating a situation involving the death of a 13-year-old boy from Cody.
KODI Daybreak Show posted the following information to their Facebook page Monday:
Deputies from the Park County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the apparent suicide of a 13-year-old Cody Middle School student.
According to a news release from the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the boy was visiting the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor’s Center with his family when he climbed up onto the railing on the east side of the dam and leaped some 350 feet into the Shoshone River.
The initial call came into the sheriff’s dispatch at 4:26 p.m. Deputies responded immediately as did an ambulance from Cody Regional Health. The victim’s body was eventually found by members of the Park County Search & Rescue Swift Water Team at the base of the dam in about 8 feet of water. The body was removed at 7:00 p.m. and turned over to Park County Coroner Tim Power. The investigation into the death is ongoing at this time.
Cody Middle School Staff sent out an email to parents this morning, that echoed an announcement that was made to students during their advisory period today. The email noted that CMS and the Park County School District have established a crisis team of counselors from the district at the middle school and the high school for any students or staff that are affected by the death of the young man yesterday.
Additionally, they noted that the counseling center is open to any student that is struggling with their classmate’s death, or have questions about how they can support their friends or other students.
School administrators also asked for parents’ help to dispel any rumors or possible misinformation that may spread with an event of this nature.
Many local and national organizations are dedicated to preventing suicide and providing support. If you or someone you know needs help, you are not alone.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential support to people in distress as well as loved ones at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and online here.
In Wyoming, you can text WYO to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line. This line is available for anyone that needs support and someone to talk with and not just about suicide.