Suffield Teen's Untimely Death Being Investigated

SUFFIELD, CT — Local police are investigating what they are terming an "isolated" untimely death involving a local teen.

At 5:45 p.m. Sunday, Suffield Police responded to a reported medical emergency involving a 17-year-old girl received via a 911 call, Capt. Christopher McKee said.

When officers arrived at the home, the girl was unresponsive, McKee said. Despite emergency medical treatment being administered at the scene, the girl was determined to be dead, McKee said.

Family members are cooperating fully with the Suffield Police Department in the investigation, but no criminal elements or suspicious activities are suspected, McKee said.

Suffield police also do not believe there are any "safety concerns for the community," McKee said.

He said several community-based services are available to assist those who may experience the "trauma that commonly accompanies an unexpected death of a loved one, family member, or friend."

Superintendent of schools Karen Berasi elaborated on the death of the Suffield High School junior in a Monday letter to the community:

Dear Families:

I am writing with great sadness to inform you that one of our students, an 11th grader at SHS, Julia Drinan, has tragically died. Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family and friends. Our community has lost a lovely and very talented young lady.

Teachers met as a faculty this morning and gave this sad news to SHS students in their first period class. Members of our school district Crisis Response Team are meeting with students individually and in groups today as well as over the coming days and weeks at the high school and middle school.

Please contact your child's school office if you feel your child is in need of additional assistance; our counselors have a list of school and community mental health resources.

Please do not hesitate to contact school administration, one of the school counselors, or me with any questions or concerns.

Karen Berasi
Superintendent of Schools
Suffield Public Schools

Berasi added counseling services have been available for students.

Patch File Photo