Wilton Police are investigating the death of a 13-year-old Wilton girl, according to a press release emailed to media on Wednesday afternoon.
Public Information Officer Anna Tornello said the death is being investigated as a possible suicide, and that Wilton Police are working with the CT Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“Our hearts are with the family, friends, classmates and all those affected. We ask that the family be given privacy and support as they grieve this tragic loss,” Tornello said.
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.
Superintendent of Schools Kevin Smith notified school families and staff Wednesday afternoon confirming the loss of a Wilton eighth-grade student.
“I write to share a message of profound sadness that no school leader or parent ever wishes to deliver. This morning we learned that an eighth-grade student suddenly and tragically passed away,” Smith wrote.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, our faculty and staff, and the entire Wilton Public Schools community, I extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved them.”
Both Tornello and Smith said that no additional details would be released out of respect for the family.
Wilton Public Schools’ counseling and support services staff are available to meet with students, staff members or families in the district. School officials also announced a community Zoom call on Thursday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. with Dr. Andrew Gerber of Silver Hill Hospital to discuss helping children process grief.
Smith wrote that Wilton community would rely on one another as they have done in the past. “As a community, we have faced difficult moments before and have always found strength in one another. In the coming days, we will lean on that strength again.”
Tornello urged community members to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing unconfirmed information, particularly on social media. She also encouraged parents and guardians to have open, age-appropriate conversations with their children and to pay attention to signs of distress or changes in behavior.
Police said they will continue working with school officials and community partners to connect residents with counseling and mental health resources.
Tornello’s statement also expressed sympathy for the first responders involved with the incident.
“We thank the officers and our public safety partners who responded to this tragic incident today and worked tirelessly in their attempts to save this young person’s life,” she wrote.