suicide

Investigation Into Danbury Teen's Death to Include Social Media: Police

The teen died after falling from the top of a mall parking garage.

The special victims unit is investigating the death of a Danbury High School student who died of an apparent suicide at a mall over the weekend and Danbury Police said the investigation will include a possible social media influence. 

Hailey Nailor, 16, died after falling from the top of the parking garage at Danbury Fair Mall Saturday afternoon, according to police, and they said it appeared to be intentional. 

Officers responded to the mall after receiving reports of a teenage girl threatening suicide and Nailor had fallen to her death, police said. 

“As reflected in the multiple responses to The Danbury Police Department’s previous post regarding the tragic death of Hailey Nailor, we would like to inform the public that all aspects of her death are being investigated by our Special Victims Unit, including a possible social media influence. Should our investigation reveal a criminal aspect, we will inform the public at an appropriate time,” a Facebook from Danbury Police says.

 Camrie Mancuso, a friend and neighbor, said Nailor was like a little sister to her. 

"She’s always been bubbly, not afraid to say what she had to say," Mancuso said. 

Mancuso said 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. 

In Facebook posts, Danbury Superintendent Sal Pascarella wrote, “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,” the post said. “This is a difficult time for everyone involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” 

A statement posted on the school department’s website Monday also addressed “hurtful comments” on “social media.

“We are mindful of hurtful comments that continue to circulate on social media that are directed at our schools and other members of our community, and we continue to cooperate with administrators and local authorities to investigate all of the surrounding circumstances. The Board of Education remains deeply concerned, and will continue its work with our Superintendent and his team to review the policies and procedures that protect all students in our schools and to insure their effectiveness. Please know that this District remains committed to fostering a positive school environment for all of our students and families,” the post on the Danbury school department’s website says.

It went on to offer resources, including:

Tips for parents and educators from the National Association of School Psychologists’ website

Tips for parents from the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide 

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.

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