On the morning of Friday, February 21st, Edward Williams student 13-year-old Avayah Almond passed away by suicide.
“This is a painful moment for the entire Mount Vernon community,” Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD) Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith shared. “I am praying that her family, friends, and everyone in her life in her life will find the strength they will need to deal with this tragedy.”
The family is asking for the community’s support and financial assistance as they navigate this challenging time and mourn the tragic loss of their loved one, Avayah Almond. They have set up a GoFundMe page for people to contribute.
“To support our students at Williams, the District will be utilizing our clinical team, consisting of psychologists, social workers, and mental health professionals. Clinical staff will be available for students at all of our schools this week as they cope with their feelings about this loss. We also met with parents and families at her school on Sunday evening to help them through this time and provide guidance in supporting their children. And, with respect to the family’s privacy and mourning their loss, it is important to avoid speculation or conjecture. For a family going through this type of tragedy, we need to rise up and offer support as much as possible,” Dr. Smith shared in a statement.
Suicide and suicidal ideation are serious concerns for young people, and, to help them, it is important to understand what they are feeling. I am sharing these suicide prevention resources in the hopes that it can provide some support for any families grieving this loss and children who may be struggling.
Grief Support Resources:
Suicide Prevention Resources:
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Westchester County Suicide Prevention Task Force
- National Association of School Psychologists
“As the acting superintendent of this school district, I simply want to say this is a terribly difficult time for her family and for our community. I want to wrap my arms around her loved ones and let them know that I feel their pain. I am so sorry for the need to share this news,” Dr. Smith shared in closing.
I don’t believe what leads to this we’re is everyone before this young lady takes her own life my heart is broken 💔 all I’m saying is Jesus have mercy and grace on all the young families with broken home and let me say this I don’t of to know her to say I love her but I wish I know her to tell her I love her some times kids just need the love hug and to I love you don’t be afraid to tell what in on your mind
for Countess Louise of Savoy