'Suicide Pact' In Gig Harbor: Police, School Officials React

GIG HARBOR, WA - A Facebook post describing a "suicide pact" among local students is causing concern around Gig Harbor, and authorities are trying to figure out if there's any truth to the post.

"CHILDREN are COMMITTING suicide in Gig Harbor and surrounding areas ... Today 12 young people attempted to take their lives - some succeeded and some did not!" he post reads. It was posted on the Gig Harbor's Most Wanted - Town Talk! private Facebook group on Wednesday night.

Gig Harbor police Chief Kelly Busey said he had not heard of 12 people attempting or completing suicide. Busey said dispatch records do not indicate a pattern of suicides in the area. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's office was unable to confirm if anyone from Gig Harbor had died of suicide this week.

Key Peninsula Fire posted a statement on Facebook saying that no local police department, fire departments, or hospitals have seen a large number of suicide attempts recently.

"In response to posts on Key Pen and Gig Harbor pages: I have talked to [Pierce County Sheriff], [Gig Harbor] police and Fire, [Peninsula School District], Red Barn, CHI Franciscan and I can speak for Key Peninsula fire that non of these entities have been on any calls that would suggest a Suicide pact," the post read. "Please be aware that all said entities are aware of the community posts and are investigating. At this point we ask you to please try and refrain from feeding into unconfirmed rumors. If you have any questions please contact Anne at the fire station."

The Peninsula School District also issued a statement, saying the district is aware of the post.

"Through social media we are aware of concerns about a suicide pact. We are taking this very seriously. Please be patient and allow us to be thorough and thoughtful. Local first responders have not been on calls that support a suicide pact."

Clarification: An earlier version of this story reported a suicide that took place on Wednesday. That incident has not yet been confirmed, according to police.

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