MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Students returned to class with a heavy heart Friday, just days after a 17-year-old took his own life at Mooresville High School this week.
Family members confirmed to WCNC Charlotte that Mario Nathan Lopez, 17, died by suicide at the school Wednesday. Lopez's mother said a celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday at Mooresville High's Joe Pop Stadium. The event is open to the public.
During a phone conversation with WCNC Charlotte, Ashley Lopez said she is very appreciative of the community and wants Sunday to be a way to remember Mario, along with providing support for people battling with depression from the region.
If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.
She alluded to students returning to in-person learning after virtual learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic leading to depression among children. She also highlighted bullying as a concern.
CDC data cited by the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed emergency department visits for children with mental health emergencies rose dramatically during the pandemic.
Even before COVID-19, Mecklenburg County reported a rise in the number of children considering or attempting suicide from 2015 through 2019.
The celebration of life for Nathan is open to the public and will start at 2 p.m. Sunday. People unable to make it to the event, but who want to show support, can still view the celebration online by visiting the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Facebook page.
"If you have been touched by Nathan's passing or been affected by mental illness, the family encourages you to attend," read a portion of the obituary established for Mario Nathan Lopez.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Trevor Project. A GoFundMe established for the family has already raised nearly $30,000 to cover funeral expenses.
Students were released from Mooresville High School on Wednesday, Nov. 10, after the suicide happened on campus. According to the school district, students were released at around 9 a.m, and said the Mooresville Police Department was investigating.
"We released students at 9 AM this morning; however, we will have a counseling crisis team on the Magnolia Campus today for students who need to speak with someone," Mooresville Graded Schools said on Wednesday.
Britni Eaton, vice president of Monarch's clinical services for behavioral health, said families should take time to talk about suicide and mental health.
"It may open the door for a really helpful conversation about things that you may not have known were going on with your child," Eaton said. "Make sure that they feel that you're listening. Listen to their feelings, don't dismiss their problems, reassure them of your love and support, and remind them that they can work through whatever it is that is going on, and you can help them."
Even before COVID-19, Mecklenburg County reported a rise in the number of children considering or attempting suicide from 2015 through 2019.
Eaton said there’s no one specific warning sign that parents should look for that may indicate their child is thinking about suicide.
It's why she believes conversations about mental health are important so parents can recognize when something may not be right.
"Being pre-occupied with death in conversation or writing or drawing, giving away belongings," Eaton said. "Withdrawal from friends and family is a big one."
The Mooresville High School Magnolia Campus is located across the side street from the main campus and is located at 160 S Magnolia St, Mooresville, NC 28115.
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