In a devastating turn of events, a second Parkland survivor was found dead in an apparent suicide. Per CBS News, Calvin Desir's body was discovered on Saturday. The 16-year-old student was a sophomore at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School.
Police have not confirmed the final cause of death, however, Coral Springs Police spokesman Tyler Reik told the publication Desir died from an "apparent suicide." The news has impacted a community who was already mourning the loss of another teen. On March 17, 19-year-old Sydney Aiello also died at the hands of suicide. Her mother said she suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and survivor's guilt following the February 14, 2018, mass shooting.
The Coral Springs Police Department shared a statement on its Facebook page. The city plans to host a Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Town Hall Meeting at Coral Springs City Hall on Wednesday evening.
“The City of Coral Springs recognizes the anxiety and suffering continues for students, teachers and families who have experienced such violence and devastating loss. In the span of one week we lost two teens from MSD to an apparent suicide," the department wrote.
Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.
As Blavity previously reported, Black students gathered to ask media and policymakers to recognize their voices and not just those of white survivors. Student Kai Koerber noted many classmates were concerned about the increased police presence at MSD. He feared many officers were working with "undiagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."
“We simply cannot let the events of that day take the lives of any more of our children. As a City we are committed to shining a light on those who suffer in the darkness. The mental health of our children and all those who have been affected by the MSD tragedy must be made a priority,” Coral Springs Police continued.
Desir's sister, Brittany Wright, expressed her sorrows on a GoFundMe page started by their family.
“My family is grieving over the loss of a wonderful and amazing son, brother, nephew, and friend. We are raising money to support all funeral cost for my brother. He was a fellow student at Stoneman Douglas with strong aspirations of one day becoming an engineer, which inspired him to always find new projects around the house to challenge his skills,” Wright wrote.
The mass shooting at MSD left 17 students dead. The shooter was indicted on 34 counts of premeditated murder and attempted murder.
If you or anyone you know is in distress and considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Now, check these out:
10-Year-Old Boy Commits Suicide After Months Of Bullying
Timothy Dean, The Second Black Man Found Dead At Ed Buck's Home, Also Died Of A Meth Overdose
