Heritage High School principal announces death of student

The death of a Heritage High School student was announced today by principal Erika Tejeda. No details about the identity of the student or the circumstances around the death were released.

"It is with great sorrow that I inform you that a student at Heritage High School has passed away," Tejeda wrote in a letter to the Heritage families on the school's Facebook page. "Out of respect for the privacy of the family, we are unable to release the name of the student or the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Many of you may be hearing of this situation through social media and as a result, may be confronted with a variety of emotions, which might include shock, sadness, and confusion. I want to assure you that all of us here at Heritage High School care about you and the feelings you may be experiencing. Below are resources for families and students for mental health support. If you, your student, or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help and support."


The resources listed were:

Riverside County Community and Health Information
Call 211 or visit http://connectriverside.org/
Riverside County Behavioral and Mental Health Resources
https://www.rcdmh.org/…/County-Mental-Health-Triage-Services
24/7 Suicide Hotline
Phone: 951-686-4402
Text: 741-741

Mental Health Urgent Care
85 Ramona Expressway, Suites 1-3
Perris, CA 92571
951-349-4195
https://up2riverside.org/mental-health-urgent-care-centers/

National Parent/Youth Crisis Hotline
Phone: 800-448-4663
Website: https://calyouth.org/

Care Solace - support for substance abuse and mental health
https://caresolace.com/site/puhsdfamilies

Families in need of assistance were also referred to the school district's Coordinator of Mental Health Services, Dr. Rebecca Gehlke, at rebecca.gehlke@puhsd.org.