Heritage High student found dead of apparent suicide

A Heritage High School student was found dead of an apparent suicide Monday morning, authorities said.

Sheriff's deputies responded at 10:17 a.m. to the report of a juvenile suicide at a residence in the 26000 block of Spradlin Lane in the unincorporated area of Homeland, according to Deputy Deanna Pecoraro. Paramedics arrived and began live-saving measures, but the juvenile was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff's Department investigators have assumed the investigation.

Heritage High School principal Erika Tejeda announced on the school's Facebook page Monday the death of a student. The juvenile's name has not been released.

"It is with great sorrow that I inform you that a student at Heritage High School has passed away," Tejeda wrote. "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.