The Wilton community is mourning the loss of an 18-year-old resident and Wilton High School student who died Monday, Feb. 16.
In a press release issued Monday evening, the Wilton Police Department confirmed it is investigating the “untimely death of a teenage member of our community, an 18-year-old male.”
Based on a preliminary investigation, police said the death is believed to be a suicide.
Deputy Chief Robert Cipolla confirmed the incident occurred at a residential property at the Riverside Apartments at 141 Danbury Rd., and he said police have been coordinating closely with school officials.
Superintendent of Schools Kevin Smith notified families in an email Monday evening, confirming the loss of a Wilton High School student.
“It is with profound sadness that I share that earlier today we learned of the tragic and untimely death of one of our Wilton High School students,” Smith wrote. “Out of deep respect for the student’s family, and to honor their privacy during this extraordinarily difficult time, we will not be sharing additional details.”
Cipolla echoed Smith’s thoughts.
“With things like this, it’s obviously deeply tragic, and our thoughts are with the family and the whole community — but the family in particular,” Cipolla said. “They’re suffering.”
Smith said the school will be providing resources for students, families and staff, including counseling and support services. Members of the counseling team and additional support personnel will be available both in person and virtually at Wilton High School starting Tuesday and beyond as needed.
“We strongly encourage anyone who may be struggling to reach out,” Smith wrote. “There is strength in seeking support, and we are here to care for one another.”
Cipolla emphasized that one of the department’s primary goals is ensuring residents know help is available.
“We want people to know there is help. There are resources,” he said. “With early intervention and appropriate resources, this is something that can be preventable. There is hope. There is courage in seeking out that help.”
Cipolla said that in addition to the support being made available through the schools, resources are also available through Wilton Social Services at 203.834.6238 and through the Police Department at 203.834.6260.
“Even us as the police, we’re that helpful resource where we can bridge that gap for people at times,” Cipolla said. “That’s the messaging that, in this tragic incident, we want to ring through.”
In its press release, the police department urged parents and guardians to have open, age-appropriate conversations with their children and to be mindful of how the loss is discussed, particularly on social media. The department said it will continue working with school leadership and community partners to connect individuals to counseling and mental health resources and reinforce prevention and early-intervention efforts.
Anyone in need of immediate support can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 911 in an emergency, contact Wilton Social Services at 203.834.6238, or reach out to Wilton Police at 203.834.6260.
Police said no additional details will be released at this time out of respect for the family.