Palominas Elementary Student Took Own Life, Sheriff Says

SIERRA VISTA, AZ – The student who was found dead Tuesday morning at Coronado Elementary School in the Palominas Elementary School District took his own life. The Cochise County Sheriff's Office says that the student used a weapon belongin to a family member.

Deputies from the Cochise County Sheriff's Office had been called at 9:22 a.m. to respond to a report of an active shooter at the school.

The school was placed on lockdown.

Deputies made their way into the school and found the student dead in a bathroom.

The district has not released the student's identity, only saying he was 14-years-old and does not have any siblings at the school. The sheriff's office added that he was in seventh grade,

Classes were canceled for the day and students and parents were reunited at the Sierra Springs Church.

Coronado school has a crisis counseling team at the school until further notice to assist students and staff.

"Our hearts go out to the family as they grieve during this time of great loss. At this time, we have no information to share on the needs of the family but will update our community if this changes," district officials said in a statement.

Officials thanked the sheriff's department for leading a task force that responded to the incident and its aftermath.

"Fry Fire Department was also instrumental in supporting the effort. Sierra Springs Church, pastored by Dr. Jim Evans was amazing in providing us with a secure and hospitable location for reunification," officials said.

"Additionally, we would like to thank the amazing parents who waited patiently for their children to arrive, helped comfort students, and were willing to do anything that was asked of them at the reunification site."

Photo courtesy Palominas School District.