CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The administration at Arapahoe High School canceled classes this week after two students took their own lives.
The community has dealt with suicide deaths in the past.
In 2009, Denise Mariz lost her daughter, Jasmine, to suicide. Mariz describes her daughter as vivacious and happy.
“Always trying to lift up people’s spirit,” Mariz said of her daughter. “It was very traumatic for me. I went through so many different emotions.”
Jasmine was a senior at Arapahoe when she died.
“I just really want it to stop. I don’t want to hear about another suicide,” Mariz said. “There’s definitely an issue with suicides, but why, I don’t know. I couldn’t tell you.”
“It’s like wildlife.”
Other parents shared the same concerns.
“One or two each year that I know of,” parent Heidi Schlossberg said of the student suicides.
Schlossberg had a student inside the school during the 2013 shooting that resulted in the death of student Claire Davis.
“None of us that have been paying attention are surprised,” Schlossberg said. “We are dismayed. We are traumatized again. And we are — I can only speak for myself — but many of us are very angry because we feel many of these suicides could’ve been prevented.”
Littleton Public Schools has not replied to requests for comment.
Suicide resources
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or depression, the following resources are available:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255): Speak with someone who will provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn how to help someone in crisis, call the same number.
Colorado Crisis Services Hotline (1-844-493-8255): If you are in crisis or need help dealing with one, call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255 to speak to a trained professional. When calling Colorado Crisis Services, you will be connected to a crisis counselor or trained professional with a master’s or doctoral degree.
The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386): A 24/7 resource for LGBT youth struggling with a crisis or suicidal thoughts. The line is staffed by trained counselors.
Colorado Crisis Services Walk-In Locations: Walk-in crisis service centers are open 24/7, and offer confidential, in-person crisis support, information and referrals to anyone in need.
Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: (1-844-264-5437): The best resource for readers to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
The number serves as a direct, immediate and efficient route to all Colorado’s 64 counties and two tribal nations, which are responsible for accepting and responding to child abuse and neglect concerns. All callers are able to speak with a call-taker 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
