Crisis counseling available for Joplin students after freshman's suicide

(The following message was posted by Joplin High School Principal Kerry Sachetta this week following the suicide of freshman Presley Ruch.)

Parents and Students, We have learned of the tragic death of one of our students. Our thoughts and hearts are with the student's family and friends during this difficult time.

Below you will find helpful resources for parents on how to talk to your children about death. Feeling sad is a normal response to any loss. If, however, your child displays extreme reactions of avoidance and withdrawal or anger that results in risk-taking behaviors (such as alcohol or drug use), please contact your school counselor at 417-625-5230. We are here to help and have resources available for students and families. For additional information on how to talk to your child about suicide, visit our website at www.joplineagles.org. You can also seek immediate help by calling Ozark Center’s Crisis Intervention Hotline at 417-347-7720.

Talking with Your Child About Suicide

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

The Dougy Center - The National Center for Grieving Children & Families

Members of our Crisis Response team will be available to meet with students individually and in groups on Monday and over the coming days and weeks.  However, we plan to make crisis counseling available for students following the funeral and will share information about that event and its location once it has been scheduled.

Funeral services for Presley Ruch will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Brooks officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Paw Animal Rescue, where she was a frequent volunteer, in care of the mortuary.

A complete obituary for Presley Ruch can be found at this link.