Grissom 7th-Grader Dies Unexpectedly Over The Weekend

TINLEY PARK, IL — A seventh-grade student at Grissom Middle School unexpectedly died over the weekend, according to a note sent to parents Monday. The name of the student and how he died was not included in the Principal Deborah Broadwell's note.

Counseling and bereavement support will be provided by the school to all students and staff, Broadwell said in her note. Parents would be able to request a social worker or counselor talk to their child or students could ask using special form on their school iPad.

"A student death is difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress in some students," Broadwell wrote in the note. "Although most adolescents have an understanding of death, they often view themselves as invincible and not subject to the 'rules' that govern others. This might not only constitute the loss of a classmate, but also may point out the reality of a child's own mortality or bring up feelings of past losses. In addition, children may have had no experience in coping with a loss like this and may be confused as how to handle grief."

RELATED: Grissom Teacher, 25, Dies Suddenly

The student was in the class taught by Christina DeCarlo, who is part of the Grissom's special services team. A message left for Broadwell about the student's death was not immediately returned.

This is the second unexpected death the school has had to deal with in less than a month. Abby Ohl, a sixth-grade special education teacher died suddenly Oct. 12 after collapsing in her classroom.

Grissom Middle School (Photo via Kirby School District 140)