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Fairfax Underground
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
NPxWD
()
Date: February 06, 2014 03:48PM
Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
http://www.wtop.com/149/3557345/Fairfax-County-community-copes-with-two-teen-deaths
WASHINGTON -- Two students at a Fairfax County high school died this week and now the school system is working to help students cope with their grief.
Two Langley High School students died just one day apart. Fairfax County police say the body of a 17-year-old male was found in the woods at Scott's Run at about 1 p.m. Monday. And on Tuesday at about 2:30 p.m., the body of another 17-year-old male was found in a home on Forestville Drive.
Police won't confirm the identities of the teenagers, but will say that no foul play is suspected and that the deaths are not connected.
A source familiar with both incidents says the deaths are apparently the result of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The Langley High School website makes no mention of the deaths, but does have a link advising parents how to talk to children about "painful times."
Principal Matthew Ragone sent a letter home to parents saying "two very tragic incidents struck our community this week."
Dr. Thomas Wise, director of behavioral health services at Inova Health Systems in Fairfax, says that when talking about suicide with teenagers, it's important to listen without judgment. Wise says the message has to be "just talk to us; we're here for you."
Wise says that letting kids express their feelings can help them sort things out, and making sure kids know they can speak freely is critical "because unless the kids have somebody to talk to, dangerous situations can occur."
Lauren Anderson has personal experience with the grief that comes after a suicide. Her younger brother Josh, a Langley High School student who transferred to South Lakes after a suspension, took his own life in 2009. She's since created a foundation in Josh's name to help kids. She agrees with Dr. Wise that the way we approach suicidal feelings has to change.
"If the stigma is there, they're not going to reach out and get help at that time of need," she says.
Wise says teenagers have a tendency to see their current emotional state as fixed, "that there's no help, no hope" and that things won't get better. That's when stepping in is necessary. Anderson says her foundation works to get kids to see that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
"That it's really strong and brave and courageous to speak up and get help," Anderson says.
After a suicide, schools often employ a team of counselors and Wise says that can be helpful, but "having grief counselors come in for one or two days just is naive and often won't work." Wise says grief is a process, not a one-time event. He encourages teachers, counselors and parents to let kids talk as much and as often as they need to and to avoid sending the message that the child should "get over it."
Wise says that school assemblies where a speaker addresses grief or suicide can be a catalyst for discussion, but should not be the end of the story. "Many kids who are very upset, are reticent to talk about their own feelings" in such a public setting, he says.
Both Wise and Anderson says kids can help each other through tough times by paying attention to signals that something is wrong.
"Look, if one of your friends really seems to be isolating themselves, seems to have trouble sleeping, not taking care of themselves, that's a real red flag," says Wise.
Anderson calls teenagers "the last line of defense" against suicide: They often see and hear things that can be the start of a downward spiral. And speaking up for a friend, or for themselves, could be a teenager's life-saving act.
More information from the Langley High School website: http://joshafoundation.org/suicide-prevention/
•Helpful Hints for grieving students
•The Josh Anderson Foundation
•The American Psychological Association
•Screening for Mental Health
•Surviving after a suicide: American Association of Suicidology
http://www.wtop.com/149/3557345/Fairfax-County-community-copes-with-two-teen-deaths
WASHINGTON -- Two students at a Fairfax County high school died this week and now the school system is working to help students cope with their grief.
Two Langley High School students died just one day apart. Fairfax County police say the body of a 17-year-old male was found in the woods at Scott's Run at about 1 p.m. Monday. And on Tuesday at about 2:30 p.m., the body of another 17-year-old male was found in a home on Forestville Drive.
Police won't confirm the identities of the teenagers, but will say that no foul play is suspected and that the deaths are not connected.
A source familiar with both incidents says the deaths are apparently the result of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The Langley High School website makes no mention of the deaths, but does have a link advising parents how to talk to children about "painful times."
Principal Matthew Ragone sent a letter home to parents saying "two very tragic incidents struck our community this week."
Dr. Thomas Wise, director of behavioral health services at Inova Health Systems in Fairfax, says that when talking about suicide with teenagers, it's important to listen without judgment. Wise says the message has to be "just talk to us; we're here for you."
Wise says that letting kids express their feelings can help them sort things out, and making sure kids know they can speak freely is critical "because unless the kids have somebody to talk to, dangerous situations can occur."
Lauren Anderson has personal experience with the grief that comes after a suicide. Her younger brother Josh, a Langley High School student who transferred to South Lakes after a suspension, took his own life in 2009. She's since created a foundation in Josh's name to help kids. She agrees with Dr. Wise that the way we approach suicidal feelings has to change.
"If the stigma is there, they're not going to reach out and get help at that time of need," she says.
Wise says teenagers have a tendency to see their current emotional state as fixed, "that there's no help, no hope" and that things won't get better. That's when stepping in is necessary. Anderson says her foundation works to get kids to see that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
"That it's really strong and brave and courageous to speak up and get help," Anderson says.
After a suicide, schools often employ a team of counselors and Wise says that can be helpful, but "having grief counselors come in for one or two days just is naive and often won't work." Wise says grief is a process, not a one-time event. He encourages teachers, counselors and parents to let kids talk as much and as often as they need to and to avoid sending the message that the child should "get over it."
Wise says that school assemblies where a speaker addresses grief or suicide can be a catalyst for discussion, but should not be the end of the story. "Many kids who are very upset, are reticent to talk about their own feelings" in such a public setting, he says.
Both Wise and Anderson says kids can help each other through tough times by paying attention to signals that something is wrong.
"Look, if one of your friends really seems to be isolating themselves, seems to have trouble sleeping, not taking care of themselves, that's a real red flag," says Wise.
Anderson calls teenagers "the last line of defense" against suicide: They often see and hear things that can be the start of a downward spiral. And speaking up for a friend, or for themselves, could be a teenager's life-saving act.
More information from the Langley High School website: http://joshafoundation.org/suicide-prevention/
•Helpful Hints for grieving students
•The Josh Anderson Foundation
•The American Psychological Association
•Screening for Mental Health
•Surviving after a suicide: American Association of Suicidology
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
Concerned Parents
()
Date: February 06, 2014 03:55PM
Two suicides the same week, from the same school? Seems more than just coincidence. Does anyone have the background into either of these two young students that lost their lives?
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
Thread Count
()
Date: February 06, 2014 04:04PM
Goddamn how many more threads can we make for this topic??
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
dFF45y
()
Date: February 06, 2014 04:04PM
Thank God back in the 80s we had Wham! telling us to choose life.
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
The Agree-er
()
Date: February 06, 2014 04:31PM
Thread Count Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Goddamn how many more threads can we make for this
> topic??
+1
-------------------------------------------------------
> Goddamn how many more threads can we make for this
> topic??
+1
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
imbiker
()
Date: February 06, 2014 04:33PM
May be we need something similar in our high schools!
Attachments:
Attachments:
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
Louis Theroux
()
Date: February 06, 2014 04:36PM
Concerned Parents Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Two suicides the same week, from the same school?
> Seems more than just coincidence. Does anyone have
> the background into either of these two young
> students that lost their lives?
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1441756.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1442391.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1443188.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1443210.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1426750.html
Thread Count Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Goddamn how many more threads can we make for this
> topic??
+ 10000000000000
-------------------------------------------------------
> Two suicides the same week, from the same school?
> Seems more than just coincidence. Does anyone have
> the background into either of these two young
> students that lost their lives?
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1441756.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1442391.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1443188.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1443210.html
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1426750.html
Thread Count Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Goddamn how many more threads can we make for this
> topic??
+ 10000000000000
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
AAA #1 Best American Contracting
()
Date: February 06, 2014 05:10PM
Anyone know if they were working for a local contractor and just decided to take matters into their own hands?
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
PyNcD
()
Date: February 06, 2014 05:31PM
AAA #1 Best American Contracting Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anyone know if they were working for a local
> contractor and just decided to take matters into
> their own hands?
+1
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anyone know if they were working for a local
> contractor and just decided to take matters into
> their own hands?
+1
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
hg58LL
()
Date: February 06, 2014 05:48PM
very strange they would choose to do this wth the walking dead season premiere coming up this weekend.
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
tPUUN
()
Date: February 06, 2014 11:51PM
Autoposy showed a strange chemical in their blood.
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
pastor dave
()
Date: February 07, 2014 02:55AM
h
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/2021 03:04PM by pastor dave.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/2021 03:04PM by pastor dave.
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
pastor dave
()
Date: February 07, 2014 02:59AM
o
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/2021 03:04PM by pastor dave.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/2021 03:04PM by pastor dave.
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
NPJpU
()
Date: February 07, 2014 06:22AM
Concerned Parents Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Two suicides the same week, from the same school?
> Seems more than just coincidence. Does anyone have
> the background into either of these two young
> students that lost their lives?
I have the same questions.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Two suicides the same week, from the same school?
> Seems more than just coincidence. Does anyone have
> the background into either of these two young
> students that lost their lives?
I have the same questions.
Langley High School mourns two student deaths
Posted by:
dumTv
()
Date: February 07, 2014 07:02AM
Langley High School mourns two student deaths
Police say cases appear to be unrelated
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20140206/NEWS/140209587/1076/Langley-High-School-mourns-two-student-deaths&template=fairfaxTimes
Teachers, administrators and students at Langley High School are mourning the apparent suicide deaths of two male students, both confirmed by police to have been 17 years old.
Fairfax County police confirmed that one body was discovered at about 1:15 p.m. Monday in Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean. “We feel there is no public safety threat,” said police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell of that discovery.
Just over 24 hours later, around 2:35 p.m. on Tuesday, police said another male teen body had been discovered in a Great Falls home. “The cases do not seem to be related in any way,” said police spokesman Bud Walker.
On Tuesday, before the discovery of the second body, Langley High School Principal Matt Ragone sent out a letter to parents stating:
“Langley High School and Fairfax County Public School’s Office of Safety & Security were made aware that a Langley student died unexpectedly yesterday. In respect to the family’s wishes, Langley High School will not communicate any additional information about this incident.”
On Wednesday, Ragone sent out a second letter:
“Two very tragic incidents struck our school community this week. Families are grieving and we as a community grieve with them. As I indicated in my message to you yesterday, we will continue to respect the privacy of the families and the school will not be providing any additional details related to these incidents.”
Because they are minors, police did not reveal the names of the deceased. Although the identities are known, Fairfax County Times does not generally reveal the identities of suicide victims.
Both students were well-known athletes and memorials have sprung up on several social networking sites.
“Unfortunately, social media is currently littered with untruths and speculation regarding these incidents. Please help us and each other by not engaging in these rumors,” Ragone wrote in his second letter. “Thank you to everyone who has expressed their genuine concern and for your support of Langley High School. I realize that at times like this, answers are in short supply. However, it is important that we continue to be there for one another during this difficult time.”
Police say cases appear to be unrelated
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20140206/NEWS/140209587/1076/Langley-High-School-mourns-two-student-deaths&template=fairfaxTimes
Teachers, administrators and students at Langley High School are mourning the apparent suicide deaths of two male students, both confirmed by police to have been 17 years old.
Fairfax County police confirmed that one body was discovered at about 1:15 p.m. Monday in Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean. “We feel there is no public safety threat,” said police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell of that discovery.
Just over 24 hours later, around 2:35 p.m. on Tuesday, police said another male teen body had been discovered in a Great Falls home. “The cases do not seem to be related in any way,” said police spokesman Bud Walker.
On Tuesday, before the discovery of the second body, Langley High School Principal Matt Ragone sent out a letter to parents stating:
“Langley High School and Fairfax County Public School’s Office of Safety & Security were made aware that a Langley student died unexpectedly yesterday. In respect to the family’s wishes, Langley High School will not communicate any additional information about this incident.”
On Wednesday, Ragone sent out a second letter:
“Two very tragic incidents struck our school community this week. Families are grieving and we as a community grieve with them. As I indicated in my message to you yesterday, we will continue to respect the privacy of the families and the school will not be providing any additional details related to these incidents.”
Because they are minors, police did not reveal the names of the deceased. Although the identities are known, Fairfax County Times does not generally reveal the identities of suicide victims.
Both students were well-known athletes and memorials have sprung up on several social networking sites.
“Unfortunately, social media is currently littered with untruths and speculation regarding these incidents. Please help us and each other by not engaging in these rumors,” Ragone wrote in his second letter. “Thank you to everyone who has expressed their genuine concern and for your support of Langley High School. I realize that at times like this, answers are in short supply. However, it is important that we continue to be there for one another during this difficult time.”
Re: Fairfax County community copes with two teen deaths
Posted by:
Crying Now
()
Date: February 07, 2014 09:19AM
Let's set up a social networking virtual vigil for them. That will bring th peace.
We are thinking of the Langley students, faculty and families effected by their loss. Call if you need support 703-527-4077
Posted by:
RIP
()
Date: February 10, 2014 09:11AM
We are thinking of the Langley students, faculty and families effected by their loss. Call if you need support 703-527-4077
Attachments:
Attachments:
Re: We are thinking of the Langley students, faculty and families effected by their loss. Call if you need support 703-527-4077
Posted by:
More info
()
Date: February 10, 2014 12:05PM
Students mourn deaths of 2 Langley High School seniors
http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/24645092/students-mourn-deaths-of-2-langley-high-school-seniors#ixzz2swJzURXg
McLEAN, Va. - School officials say two senior students at Langley High School in Fairfax County have died this week.
One of the students died Monday and the other on Tuesday.
Fairfax County Public Schools and police officials are releasing few details about the deaths.
It has been a difficult few days for the Langley community. When classes ended Wednesday afternoon, many Langley students wore black to honor the memory of the two 17-year-old boys.
There is no official cause of death yet, but many are speculating they both committed suicide.
Other students and some of their parents have been taking to social media to express their sorrows, share information and squash rumors about the deaths.
Laura Koskinen (@laurakoskinenn) tweeted: “No parent should ever have to bury their child. My thoughts and prayers go out to Langley #SaxonStrong”
Tori Robinson (@toriirob) wrote: “We lost two awesome people, but God gained two beautiful new angels today. Rest in peace. #SaxonStrong”
Langley High School principal Matt Ragone sent home a letter to parents:
Dear Langley Families:
Two very tragic incidents struck our school community this week. Families are grieving and we as a community grieve with them. As I indicated in my message to you yesterday, we will continue to respect the privacy of the families and the school will not be providing any additional details related to these incidents.
We have initiated support from the FCPS Crisis Response Team to provide students, parents and staff with information that would help them cope with their feelings of sadness and grief. Special counseling services are being made available to students and will continue to be made available in the days ahead. The safety and well-being of our students will remain our primary focus. We will maintain as normal a routine and structure as the situation allows, and we encourage you to do the same.
Click the link below for a help sheet on how to deal with loss with your kids. We handed this out to faculty this morning and offer it to you as you as a resource.
http://www.fcps.edu/LangleyHS/assets/2013-2014/helpfulthingstosay.pdf
Unfortunately, social media is currently littered with untruths and speculation regarding these incidents. Please help us and each other by not engaging in these rumors.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed their genuine concern and for your support of Langley High School. I realize that at times like this, answers are in short supply. However, it is important that we continue to be there for one another during this difficult time.
I will continue to keep you updated on the school's response to our students' needs and any additional information that becomes available.
Nearly two dozen Langley High School students attended mass at nearby Saint Luke Catholic Church Wednesday morning. Father David Martin says he addressed them during his homily.
"I spoke about the sadness of losing friends,” he said. “One of the ways that we can cope with this is the sharing of different stories about them and helping one another to go through the grieving process.”
According to Fairfax County police, one of the teens was found dead at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve off of Georgetown Pike. The other teen died at his home in Great Falls.
Students tell us school administrators have not addressed the matter of suicide.
Classmates, friends and loved ones attended a prayer service held at McLean Bible Church Wednesday night.
Flowers and other items are being left at a growing memorial on a pink painted rock in front of the school.
Other students are asking that all Fairfax County high school students wear black to school on Friday and start conversations about suicide prevention.
http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/24645092/students-mourn-deaths-of-2-langley-high-school-seniors#ixzz2swJzURXg
McLEAN, Va. - School officials say two senior students at Langley High School in Fairfax County have died this week.
One of the students died Monday and the other on Tuesday.
Fairfax County Public Schools and police officials are releasing few details about the deaths.
It has been a difficult few days for the Langley community. When classes ended Wednesday afternoon, many Langley students wore black to honor the memory of the two 17-year-old boys.
There is no official cause of death yet, but many are speculating they both committed suicide.
Other students and some of their parents have been taking to social media to express their sorrows, share information and squash rumors about the deaths.
Laura Koskinen (@laurakoskinenn) tweeted: “No parent should ever have to bury their child. My thoughts and prayers go out to Langley #SaxonStrong”
Tori Robinson (@toriirob) wrote: “We lost two awesome people, but God gained two beautiful new angels today. Rest in peace. #SaxonStrong”
Langley High School principal Matt Ragone sent home a letter to parents:
Dear Langley Families:
Two very tragic incidents struck our school community this week. Families are grieving and we as a community grieve with them. As I indicated in my message to you yesterday, we will continue to respect the privacy of the families and the school will not be providing any additional details related to these incidents.
We have initiated support from the FCPS Crisis Response Team to provide students, parents and staff with information that would help them cope with their feelings of sadness and grief. Special counseling services are being made available to students and will continue to be made available in the days ahead. The safety and well-being of our students will remain our primary focus. We will maintain as normal a routine and structure as the situation allows, and we encourage you to do the same.
Click the link below for a help sheet on how to deal with loss with your kids. We handed this out to faculty this morning and offer it to you as you as a resource.
http://www.fcps.edu/LangleyHS/assets/2013-2014/helpfulthingstosay.pdf
Unfortunately, social media is currently littered with untruths and speculation regarding these incidents. Please help us and each other by not engaging in these rumors.
Thank you to everyone who has expressed their genuine concern and for your support of Langley High School. I realize that at times like this, answers are in short supply. However, it is important that we continue to be there for one another during this difficult time.
I will continue to keep you updated on the school's response to our students' needs and any additional information that becomes available.
Nearly two dozen Langley High School students attended mass at nearby Saint Luke Catholic Church Wednesday morning. Father David Martin says he addressed them during his homily.
"I spoke about the sadness of losing friends,” he said. “One of the ways that we can cope with this is the sharing of different stories about them and helping one another to go through the grieving process.”
According to Fairfax County police, one of the teens was found dead at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve off of Georgetown Pike. The other teen died at his home in Great Falls.
Students tell us school administrators have not addressed the matter of suicide.
Classmates, friends and loved ones attended a prayer service held at McLean Bible Church Wednesday night.
Flowers and other items are being left at a growing memorial on a pink painted rock in front of the school.
Other students are asking that all Fairfax County high school students wear black to school on Friday and start conversations about suicide prevention.