Bergen County Mayor Requests Information In Student's Death

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The mayor of one Bergen County town asked for help from the community after a local high school sophomore died.

Little Ferry Mayor Mauro Raguseo wrote on Thursday that a sophomore had died by apparent suicide the day before.

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Police had posted that the victim was found fatally injured on Challenger Road. "Preliminary information indicates that the death is not criminal in nature," they wrote.

"Yesterday was a tragic day for our community," Raguseo wrote. "One of our young residents who was a sophomore at Ridgefield Park High School died by apparent suicide. We mourn her loss and offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. I know that our 'small community with the big heart' will once again come together to help this family in any way we can.

"We ask that anyone with any information that can help answer any questions or confirm or debunk rumors that are rampant on social media to go directly to the Ridgefield Park Police Department and the Ridgefield Park High School administration. As we all look to find answers, let’s do it in a way that respects the privacy and dignity of the family that is suffering unspeakable loss. This cannot happen again."

Officials in neighboring Ridgefield Park released a statement saying, "As we continue to learn more about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, we are committed to working closely with our schools, public safety officials, and community partners to understand what steps can be taken to help prevent something like this from happening again. Our focus must remain on compassion, support, and thoughtful action."

NJ.com reported that local schools will offer counseling.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988. You can also call 911 in an emergency, or use New Jersey's mental health referral service. In New Jersey, parents can seek mental health help for their teens and children using the Performcare line, regardless of the type of insurance they have.