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Last updated on Tuesday, May 7, 2013
(MARION) - A Marion teenager committed suicide at school on Monday, and by Monday night students were gathered to remember her.
Julian Grace of WISH TV8 reports that police in Marion were investigating the death at McCulloch Junior High School, Marion Community Schools officials said.
The Grant County coroner said 14-year-old Braylee Rice used a tie to hang herself on bleachers. She was in class and left around 8:45 a.m.
Around 10:17 a.m., she was discovered by other students.
"The hardest part is when he closes his eyes," said Jennifer Smith whose son witnessed the tragedy.
"I've been faced with a lot," said Steve Edwards, Superintendent of Marion Community Schools. "But never this type of situation."
Counselors were being offered at the school and on the girl's school bus. Officials said it was too early to know whether bullying was a factor in the girl's death.
The school didn't dismiss early, though it modified the schedule for the remainder of the day. Many parents wanted to pick up their children, and the school allowed them to do so.
Around 6 p.m., a large crowd had gathered outside of the school to remember Braylee.
Students were in the middle of ISTEP testing this week. It has been been delayed at the middle school until further notice.
The district and investigators haven't released a possible motive on why Rice took her life. However, the district has scheduled an anti-bullying campaign this Thursday at Marion High School.
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