The suspect fled the scene from a neighborhood near Florida Mesa Elementary School. At 10:24 a.m., law enforcement located the suspect near the Rocky Pointe apartment complex in Durango and placed him in custody. Beginning around 7:45 a.m., eventually all schools were placed in Secure (locked classes, business as usual). The Secure was released at 10:30 a.m.
First, we want to emphasize that we believe schools have a responsibility to identify and manage misinformation that may negatively impact students, staff, and families. Yesterday, inaccurate information was shared through various sources about this loss in our community. The District Team and District Leadership worked with law enforcement partners throughout the day to confirm the details so as not to perpetuate misinformation. This morning, the La Plata County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a 7th-grade student at Miller Middle School was the youth who passed away.
School counselors and social workers will continue to provide services to students at all schools who may be impacted. Members of the district Crisis Team and school-based mental health providers were on site at Miller on Thursday and Friday to provide support to staff and students in the immediate aftermath of this tragic news.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends impacted by this heartbreaking loss, and we recognize the profound effect it has on our entire community. We remain committed to supporting our students, staff, and families as we navigate this difficult time together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to school counselors or administration for additional support or guidance. Thank you for your continued partnership and for keeping our community in your thoughts.
– Durango School District Leadership
RESOURCES
Below are links with information about how to speak to youth about loss and community community resources that may be helpful to our families.
How to Talk About Loss with your children
Community resources:
- Axis Health System: Anyone can access the Regional Crisis Center, a person does not have to be actively suicidal. 1125 Three Springs Blvd. Durango, CO 81301; Crisis phone number: (970) 247-5245; Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Grief Center of Southwest Colorado: Bereavement services for adults, teenagers, youth, and families in Southwest Colorado; 2243 North Main Ave Suite 4F, Durango, CO 81301; (970) 764-7142
- Colorado Safe2Tell: Anonymously report any concerns or threats to yourself, friends, family, or community; (877) 542-7233
- Rainbow Youth Center: Warmline and drop-in support has been made available during the day and can be accessed by calling: (970) 903-8595
- 988 Support: If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional, mental health or substance use concern, call, text, or live chat with 988. Call or text 988 for immediate support. Live chat available at https://988lifeline.org/chat