Student dies from gunshot wound on field trip in Provo Canyon, officials say

SALT LAKE CITY — The Alpine School District said counseling was available to students Wednesday, after a ninth-grader was reportedly injured by a self-inflicted gunshot while on a field trip.

Dr. Rich Stowell, the director of communications for the district, said the student was taken to a hospital with severe injuries and their family was notified. The Utah County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the student had died. Sgt. Ray Ormond with the sheriff’s office said Thursday that it was ruled a suicide.

The incident reportedly took place at South Fork Park in Provo Canyon. Stowell said all other students on the field trip were safe.

“Some students witnessed the incident. Counseling resources are available at the school and will be for as long as needed,” Stowell said. “We will share additional resources with the school community in our communications with them.”

Stowell said the district was working with police, medical personnel and counselors after the shooting.

The Alpine School District released the following statement Wednesday evening:

We are heartbroken as a school district at the passing of one of our students today, a 9th grader who went to Canyon View Junior High. We offer deepest condolences to the student’s family and friends. 

School administrators sent an email to parents of Canyon View students this evening explaining the next steps for grieving and healing.

Those steps include offering counseling services to staff, students, and families for as long as needed. We know that adolescents can grieve, process, and recover better when they have a trusted adult to guide them.

We encourage parents to engage in that process, and have provided some resources to them that may help.

Classes will be held as scheduled Thursday and Friday. The school has canceled parent-teacher conferences which were scheduled for tomorrow.

The administrative team at Canyon View has acted with the utmost compassion and professionalism. We are grateful for their love and leadership.

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Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

 

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.

 

These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.