Butler County and school authorities are investigating circumstances surrounding an alleged suicide of a 17-year-old Poplar Bluff High School student.
The student's name and many details are being withheld at this time pending family notification and an active investigation. County deputies were dispatched at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to the scene of the death near the intersection of Fashionable Circle and East Outer Road.
Several of the student's peers posted his name on social media. There also were Facebook rumors of bullying, but county and school authorities could not confirm those allegations pending the outcome of the investigation.
"The district will continue to collaborate with the Butler County Sheriff's Department to provide all available information to assist in their investigation of this tragic incident," said district superintendent Scott Dill.
School officals said they were saddened by the loss of the young student.
"The Poplar Bluff School District is deeply saddened to have learned about the terrible tragedy that happened to a student yesterday. Administration called a meeting with all high school staff prior to class this morning to inform and discuss the grief our campus community is feeling as a result," Dill said.
Grief counselors were on hand at the high school early Thursday to comfort students on the loss of their classmate.
"Teachers are using their advisory period to talk and listen to students. Our district social workers have been deployed to assist our three licensed counselors in making themselves available for any students who needs extra help during this difficult time," Dill said.
"Other guidance counselors throughout our district are also on hand," he said.
The Daily American Republic has requested incident and coroner's reports and will continue to provide updates as necessary.