The community of Danbury, Connecticut, was reeling Monday after a high school student died of an apparent suicide at a mall.
Danbury High School was making school counselors available Monday for classmates who needed help to deal with the tragedy.
Hailey Nailor, 16, died after falling from the top of a mall parking garage Saturday afternoon and police said it appeared to be intentional.
In a Facebook Post, Danbury Police said officers responded to the Danbury Fair Mall around 1:20 p.m. Saturday to check on the well-being of a teenage girl who was threatening suicide and the teen had fallen to her death.
“Preliminary information indicates that the teen was alone at the time and that the fall was an intentional act,” according to a Facebook post from police.
Police are investigating.
Camrie Mancuso was Nailor's friend and neighbor. She says Nailor was like a little sister to her.
Local
"She’s always been bubbly, not afraid to say what she had to say," Mancuso said.
They grew up only a couple houses apart from each other and rode the school bus together every day.
"I'm sorry that everything had to happen this way because you know she was a good girl she really was and I know she would’ve done a lot."
Mancuso says she was heartbroken to see Nailor had recorded some of her final moments and shared them on Snapchat.
"It's just like what I mean sad and disturbing not in a rudeful (sic) way but disturbing that someone could feel so lonesome and feel like they're not worth anything," Mancuso added.
Mancuso’s mother remembers Nailor running around the block as a child. She says that as a parent, she cannot fathom the Nailor family’s pain.
"They’re a wonderful family and I can't imagine you know and feel what they're going through I mean it’s a parent's worst nightmare and my heart goes out to them. You know when I drive by I look at the house and I just wonder what's going on in that house because I can't imagine. You know, we don’t wanna bury our kids.”
Danbury Superintendent Sal Pascarella shared a post on Facebook, offering sympathy to the student’s family and friends:
“It is with great sorrow that I share information on the untimely passing of a Danbury High School student on Saturday, Feb 9, 2019. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are extended to family and friends at this most difficult time," Pascarella wrote.
The statement goes on to say:
“Danbury High School will have counselors and support staff on hand for any student in need. In addition if at any point you feel your child may be having difficulties, please contact their school principal, counselor or social worker for support.
“We are aware that an individual posted inappropriate information regarding the deceased online, and Mr. Donovan, DHS principal, is working with authorities to have it removed. We strongly recommend that if your child has viewed the posting(s) to have a discussion with them.
“This is a difficult time for everyone involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.“
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young people and many prevention efforts are based on detecting warning signs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those signs include talking about or threatening suicide, withdrawing from people and feelings of hopelessness.
SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in crisis, you can also text 'Home' to 741741. Click here for more information.
