Students counseled after Pinckneyville sophomore kills himself

Students at Pinckneyville Community High School were informed Friday that 15-year-old student at the school died by suicide. Jacob A. Baker, age 15, of Pinckneyville, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014.

PCHS is hosting a meeting for parents and others in the community in the high school cafeteria at 7 p.m. Monday, May 12. Members of the school's Crisis Response Team will be present to provide information about common reactions following a suicide and how adults can help youths cope.

The crisis team will provide information about suicide and mental illness in adolescents, including risk factors and warning signs of suicide and will address attendees' questions and concerns.

A meeting announcement was sent to parents on Friday. Parents may contact school administrators or counselors at (618)357-5013 or hwilkin@pchpanthers.com for more information.

Trained counselors will be available to meet with students and staff over the next few weeks as needed.

A public memorial for Baker will be held at a later date.