A Columbia Middle School student has passed away.
According to a notice sent out to parents on Monday, Montrile Rouse Jr., was the middle schooler. He passed away from natural causes, the Columbia County Coroner’s Office said.
“Death at any age can be difficult to understand. We may feel a variety of emotions such as shock, sadness, confusion, or even anger. What is most important is that we care for and support each other,” said the letter to parents and guardians.
A counseling team is available to meet with student to help them deal with any feelings they are having. Besides counseling teams, Dr. Harrison, Ms. McKillip and Ms. Thompson, will be available to help students if they need to speak to someone and are struggling with the death of Rouse or the death of another family member or friend, the letter said.
For staff members the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to provide free, limited sessions to support the person and can be reached at 855-387-9727.
“Any time death touches us, it is stressful. This death may be difficult to process for you and your child. It is for this reason that we especially want you to know of our care and support,” the letter said.
