SAN ANTONIO — A Reagan High School student has died after they were found unconscious inside the school's weight room Monday.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner's office identified the student as 16-year-old Alonso Jones. According to the report, he died of asphyxiation. SAPD is investigating his death as a suicide.
"Life-saving measures were attempted and unsuccessful, unfortunately," said Aubrey Chancellor, executive director of communications for North East ISD.
Chancellor said 20 counselors took over two classrooms on campus Monday. They're also going to each class on Jones' schedule to talk with classmates and teachers who saw him on a daily basis.
"It's obviously a very difficult situation for the entire campus," Chancellor said. "But I think because there are so many support measures going on today, it's helping in the little way it can."
Chancellor said new teachers are required to go through suicide prevention training to spot warning signs in their students. All teachers also go through annual mental health training.
Along with guidance counselors, there are also crisis counselors on campus at all times. Chancellor said there's no telling if Jones ever talked to them.
"Unfortunately, you can have all the measures in the place and still bad things happen," Chancellor said.
This is the district's second suicide of the school year. In the last five years, Chancellor said about a dozen of their students have died by suicide.
"One child is too many," Chancellor said. "We're always looking at ways we can help students, we're always looking for new ways to reach them. We'll continue to do that and also continue to utilize all the programs we have."
Extra counselors will stay on campus for as long as they're needed.
Reagan High School Principal Brenda Shelton sent a letter to parents informing them of the tragedy. According to the letter, several coaches found the student around 2:30 p.m.
"We have no reason to believe that any other student is involved, and no one else is in danger," she said in the letter to parents.
Parents with concerns can contact the school at (210) 356-1800.
Read the full letter below:
Feb. 10, 2020
Dear Reagan Family,
I need to share some extremely sad news with you. Today, around 2:30 p.m., several coaches alerted me that a student was found unconscious in the weight room. 911 was immediately called and our staff attempted lifesaving measures. Unfortunately, the student did not survive.
I struggle to send news like this through e-mail, but I want to make sure you have accurate information so that you are prepared to speak with your children about the situation.
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) is leading the investigation into what occurred. We have no reason to believe that any other student is involved and no one else is in danger.
We will have counselors available for students to help them through this difficult time.
If you have questions or concerns, please call the school at 210-356-1800.
Sincerely,
Brenda Shelton