District Reacts to Student Death

The is offering help in the wake of the death of a middle school student.

Cecelia Snyder Middle School Principal Deborah McKay sent a letter to parents and guardians Monday.

“It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that we have confirmed that one of our seventh-grade students died suddenly this past Friday evening," she wrote. "A sudden loss like this can have an effect on students. For that reason, we hope that you will listen to your son or daughter, as well as discuss with them their feelings and reactions to this tragedy.”

The letter goes on to describe some of the possible reactions which include depression, guilt, irritability, difficulty sleeping and use of alcohol and drugs.

McKay wrote that counselors, social workers and other mental health team members are available this week, and that parents with concerns should call the guidance office at 215-750-2800, extensions 2310 or 2396. If a child is having difficulty after school hours, parents were urged to call Bucks County Children’s Mobile Crisis at 1-877-435-7709.

A notice on an area funeral home website indicates the boy died Friday and services were held Sunday. Several online writers claim the death came after the boy was bullied.

Superintendent Bill Gretzula could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon. District spokesman Susan Phy would only say that Bensalem Township police were still investigating.

“It's really out of our hands,” she said.

Sgt. Andy Aninsman of the Bensalem Police Department said in an e-mail Tuesday evening that no evidence related to bullying had been found. It was unclear if the police investigation had been completed.

McKay offered condolences to the family in her letter, which is attached here in its entirely.