Student Commits Suicide At Texas High School

What was originally thought to be a school shooting has tragically turned out to be a teen committing suicide in the Lanier High School courtyard in Texas.

According to the Austin Chronicle, officials have confirmed that no one else was physically harmed in the incident.

Austin Independent School District Superintendent Meria Carstarphen released the following statement:

“Based on the information available to us at this time, I regret to inform you that a student shot himself at Lanier High School a short while ago. The student has succumbed to the wound. And, the students at the campus who were on lockdown are being released to their homes. Buses will be available for students who ride the bus home. Parents also may pick up their students at the school. If parents are unable to pick up their students, buses will provide transportation. We are saddened by this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with the family.”

According to the Huffington Post, police have confirmed that the boy shot himself sometime before 1:30 pm local time.

One student, junior Alex Hernandez, told a local newspaper that the student was sitting by himself in the courtyard outside of the cafeteria “when he pulled a handgun from his hoodie and shot himself.”

Epoch Times reported that the student has been identified as Adrian Alvaresz.

The report stated that Alvaresz had posted on Facebook that he planned to commit suicide. His posts can be seen here.

Students have started to respond to the news, many of whom have said their prayers go out to Alvaresz’s mother, his one-year-old baby, and to all those at Lanier High School.

Other students commented, saying that if only they had seen these posts earlier, they would have said something to someone.

Suicide is not a laughing matter and effects all those around the victim. If you or someone you know needs help in the US, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

[Image via Shutterstock/Paul Matthew Photography]