The following statement was sent today, Thursday, Dec. 19, to members of the Crescenta Valley High School community following the death of one its students, Aidan Smith. The incident happened in the 2700 block of Fairmount Avenue in La Crescenta on Tuesday.
Counselors and other emotional support team members are in place to help students.

From Principal Linda Junge:

Dear Falcon Families,

I am so sorry to tell you all that one of our 10th grade students, Aidan Smith, has died. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends, including his 12th grade sister Reily. This information is being shared with students today. We know that many have already heard the news. The cause of death was suicide. Suicide is a very complicated act and can be difficult to understand. Although we may never know why Aidan ended his life, we do know that suicide has multiple causes. I am including some information that may be helpful to you in discussing suicide with your child.

We must work together as a community to keep each other safe and prevent tragedies like this from happening. If you, your child, or anyone you know is feeling depressed or having thoughts of self harm or suicide, I implore you to reach out for help immediately. Members of our Crisis Response Team are available to meet with students individually and in groups today. We will also have additional counseling support available when students return from winter break. Please contact our school office if you feel your child is in need of counseling support. Note that children who are already vulnerable may be at greater risk due to exposure to the suicide of a peer. If you or your child need help right away, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), call 911, or take your child to the nearest crisis center or emergency department. You can also find a list of resources below, which includes local counseling services that students, staff, and families can access during winter break.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of our school mental health professionals.

Linda Gubler Junge, Ed. D., Principal
Crescenta Valley High School
Home of the Falcons
2900 Community Ave.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 249-5871 (voice)
(818) 541-9531 (fax)
www.cvhsfalcons.com

Mental Health & Counseling Support Resources for Winter Break:

Didi Hirsch Glendale

Please ask for Richard Mogil

Please let the family know that the voicemail says that Mr. Richard Mogil will be out until 12/30 but he will check voicemails daily.

1540 East Colorado Street

Glendale, CA 91205

(818) 244-7257

Hours during the Holidays:

December 18th until December 20th- OPEN

December 23rd until December 27th- CLOSED

December 30th and 31st- OPEN

January 1st- CLOSED

January 2nd and on- OPEN weekdays

Didi Hirsch also has a suicide prevention center/crisis hotline. Below is a link to the website:

Suicide Prevention

If students want to call and speak with someone on a hotline (available 24/7), they can call this number (which is also listed on the website): 1-800-273-8255.

Pacific Clinics Glendale

Gina Mardian, LMFT, Director

237 N. Central Ave

Glendale, CA 91203

(818) 547-9544

Nami Glendale offers services for adults 18 years and older

Website: namiglendale.org

Warmline: 213-797-0494

Info on support groups: namiglendale.org/support-groups