Blairsville-Saltsburg SD staging crisis intervention after 2 students die by suicide

INDIANA COUNTY, Pa. — Officials within the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District are staging a crisis intervention after two students in the last week died by suicide.

Rev. Dawn Krishart who works with the Greater Blairsville Cooperative Parish only started at the parish a few months ago, but she knows firsthand what the community is facing.

“My son in eighth grade threatened to commit suicide. He was on suicide watch for six weeks. It was a time that knocked me to my knees,” Krishart said.

She confirmed Tuesday the reports of two students in the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District dying by suicide. Channel 11 News learned one of the students was involved in multiple sports at the school and the other was involved with football at one point.

Krishart said no one may ever understand why this happened.

“I don't know why we have a crisis in youth right now. The pressure is great on them these days,” she said.

Friends of the students took to social media to express their condolences, with one person writing, “"One of the most kind and caring people I have ever known, and it's so hard to believe that he's actually gone."

"God gained another amazing angel today! Fly high. You were the best friend I ever had. I could talk to you about anything,” another wrote.

Krishart said the community needs to lean on each other and listen to each other. She said the current situation should be a message to families.

“There are no words to make this situation any better. Find time to do the important stuff. Being with your children,” she said.

The school district posted the following resources on its website for grieving community members:

The Community Guidance Center

After hours call 877-333-2470

The Open Door 

724-465-2605

After hours call 877-333-2470

Hebron Lutheran Church, Blairsville

Faith Lutheran Church, New Florence

Pastor Ryan Kobert

412-302-5202

The services are available 24/7. School leaders said counseling services will also be available to students and staff during school hours.

Cox Media Group