The Jackson Township Police Department is saying two teens were found dead in a wooded area south of Portage Road at about 8:29 p.m. Friday. The deaths are being investigated as a double suicide or murder-suicide. The pair were students at Northwest High School.
The fatal incident comes on the heels of a 13-year-old boy who shot himself inside of Jackson Memorial Middle School on Tuesday. He later died of his injuries.
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Police received a call to check on the welfare of two teens. An officer found them in a wooded area south of Portage Road at about 8:29 p.m. Friday. Jackson Township police said a 16-year-old Lawrence Township girl was pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old Canal Fulton boy was taken to the hospital, where he died at about 2 a.m. Saturday. According to police, a handgun was found at the scene. The deaths are being investigated as a possible double suicide or a homicide-suicide.
Both teens were students at Northwest High School. Northwest Local Schools said there will be counselors available starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Support staff will also be at the school on Monday and for as long as they are needed.
Northwest Local School District
Northwest High School
8580 Erie Ave. N
Canal Fulton, OH 44614Saturday, February 24, 2018
The Northwest Local School District is heartbroken to report the loss of two of our high school students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families during this difficult time. Counselors will be on site at Northwest High School today starting at 10am providing support to staff and students. The School district will release a support schedule at a later time. Rest assured, our schools will be well staffed with certified and qualified counselors all day Monday and as long as needed after that.
Our district staff works hard to provide students and staff with the resources and support they need to handle difficult situations that they are facing. We will continue to do this. I am asking that, at this time, you give the families space to grieve and respect their wishes. Please keep in mind that social media is not the place to get accurate information or to spread rumors. I ask that you seek out information from the Superintendent’s office or the office of High School Principal, Larry Tausch. I know there is a lot of curiosity at this time. The district will keep you posted as time allows.
On behalf of the board of education and the administration, I am asking all students, staff and community members to come together to support one another during this trying time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mike Shreffler
Superintendent of Schools
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends at this difficult time.