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Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Covington Middle School student dies after end-of-year celebration: Austin school district
An Austin eighth grade student died Thursday morning after complications related to an incident at a school-related celebration, according to the Austin school district. Vadir Gonzalez-Arias, who was a student at Covington Middle School, died after an undisclosed incident at an eighth grade celebration at Dick Nichols Park in Southwest Austin, according to the district. The park is less than three miles from Covington. "Vadir was kind, caring, and approached each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to do what was asked of him," Principal Cedric Maddox said in a letter to families. "He treated his peers and teachers with genuine respect and made those around him feel seen and appreciated. "We know that this news may be difficult for students to understand and process, and we are here to support them," Maddox said. Covington's campus was open Friday as a counseling center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students to talk to English and Spanish-speaking counselors and licensed mental health professionals, Maddox said. The Austin district suggested the following community resources for those who need help: The Christi Center – free information and support groups for youth and adults regarding grief and loss: 512-467-2600 Integral Care – 24 hours support for mental health crises or by appointment: 512-472-4357 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Austin ISD Employee Assistance Program resources. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Covington Middle School student dies after end-of-year celebration
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Austin ISD 8th grader dies after incident at celebration: principal
The Brief Covington Middle School eighth-grade student has passed away Principal says he died from complications after a medical emergency at a field trip CMS will be open Friday, May 30 as a counseling center AUSTIN, Texas - An Austin ISD student has died after an incident at an eighth-grade celebration, according to the Covington Middle School principal. The district says that Vadir Gonzalez-Arias passed away on May 29, one day after the incident. What we know In a letter to the Covington Middle School community on May 28, Principal Cedric Maddox said Vadir experienced a medical emergency during a field trip for the 8th grade class. Principal Maddox sent out an update the next day that Vadir had passed away due to complications. What they're saying Principal Maddox said in the May 29 letter: "We are hurting deeply and our hearts go out to their family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Vadir was kind, caring, and approached each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to do what was asked of him. He treated his peers and teachers with genuine respect and made those around him feel seen and appreciated." What you can do The school will be open as a counseling center on Friday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Multiple English and Spanish-speaking counselors and licensed mental health professionals will be available to support students both individually and in small groups. Maddox also urged parents to talk with their children and reassure them "it's okay to feel however they are feeling", saying: "It is also normal if they do not feel anything right away. It can take a while—sometimes days or weeks—for children to show their feelings, and that is normal. No matter when the feelings surface, it is important to provide clarity and validation of feelings." Maddox also shared some helpful community resources: The Christi Center – free information and support groups for youth and adults regarding grief and loss. Phone: 512-467-2600 Integral Care – 24 hours support for mental health crises or by appointment. Phone: 512-472-4357 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Austin ISD Employee Assistance Program resources The Source Information in this report comes from Austin ISD.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Girl, 9, with 'Most Joyful Smile and Biggest Heart' Shot Dead in Car Alongside Dad with Self-Inflicted Wound
Emily Grace Mayo, 9, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound in a vehicle parked at a local park on May 27 Her father James Lee Mayo, 37, was also found dead in the car from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation The GBI is now investigating while Emily's family is remembering her as someone who "loved her family and we loved her more than we could put into words"A 9-year-old girl and her father were both found shot dead on Tuesday. Emily Grace Mayo, 9, and James Lee Mayo, 37, were found dead in a car at Brooklet City Park by police after a concerned citizen called in to report an "unresponsive child locked in a vehicle," according to a news release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Once officers made entry into the vehicle they discovered 'a child dead in the backseat with an apparent gunshot wound,' the GBI said in the release. They found James next, with the release saying that 'a man was found dead in the front seat from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.' The release goes on to say that 'a handgun was found on his lap.' An investigation into the deaths is now underway and autopsies are being performed on the bodies of both father and daughter, according to the release. Authorities would not say if the same gun or bullets were used to kill both father and daughter. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Emily's family is now raising funds for her burial and funeral services on GoFundMe. 'Emily had the most joyful smile and the biggest heart. She loved to laugh, dance, and sing,' her aunt Amber Healy wrote about the young girl. Healy said Emily 'loved her family and we loved her more than we could put into words,' before adding: 'The world lost a huge light.' She also asked that people 'keep us all in your prayers as we navigate through this nightmare we cannot wake up from,' saying that Emily's mom is devastated to have to bury her little girl. 'No parent should have to make these decisions,' wrote Healy. The GoFundMe has raised over $25,000 as of Thursday morning. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to Read the original article on People
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hannah Kobayashi breaks silence six months after disappearance, father's suicide
LOS ANGELES - If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 or chat at The Brief Hannah Kobayashi has seemingly addressed her father's suicide six months after her disappearance gained nationwide attention. The Hawaii native was reported missing in November and was later found to have been on a solo trip to Mexico unaware of the search. Kobayashi's family revealed on Dec. 11 that Hannah had been "found safe" following what police later called a "voluntary disappearance" into Mexico. Hannah Kobayashi, who made headlines last year after she apparently went missing after failing to catch a connecting flight to New York City from Los Angeles, is speaking out for the first time almost six months after her voluntary disappearance. What we know Kobayashi recently spoke out about "loss and pain and suffering" in a series of Instagram Stories posted over the weekend which have since disappeared. In a video shared by the Daily Mail, Kobayashi thanked "every single person who dedicated time and energy into looking for me" amid the search, adding, "Every day is such a gift, especially after such loss and pain and suffering. We should all learn to be kind to one another." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hannah Kobayashi: Hawaii woman who temporarily went missing found safe, family says On May 4, Kobayashi returned to social media by sharing a black and white picture along with the caption, "For all that i have yet to say, the love in my heart remains the same, for every being that exists and those to come..." "To go deep within and bear witness to your unwaivering resilience is a true remembrance. more powerful than you could ever imagine. rise up against tyranny, rise up against hate," she wrote. "Overcome fear~and nothing will ever stop you from becoming that in which you are destined." Dig deeper Amid the search for Kobayashi, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, who was in town aiding in the search for his daughter, was found dead in a parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 24. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's report, his manner of death was listed as suicide. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Father of Hannah Kobayashi found dead near LAX In the comments section of her recent Instagram post, Kobayashi responded to a discussion about why she didn't go to her father's funeral. "You don't know the whole story. my intention in this post is to acknowledge that I am going to speak about my experience — and to stand up against all the hate that was cast upon me. I hope that in your darkest hours, you are shown compassion and love versus hate and judgment," she wrote. The backstory Kobayashi was reported missing by her family on Nov. 12 after she did not board a connecting flight from Maui to New York City. Her phone last pinged at LAX on Nov. 11, where she was seen talking to an American Airlines agent but did not board a flight. During a press conference on Dec. 2, LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell said they had determined Kobayashi voluntarily crossed the border into Mexico on Nov. 12 based on surveillance footage, and urged her to contact family. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hannah Kobayashi returns to US from Mexico weeks after 'voluntary disappearance' in Los Angeles Authorities said based on their investigation, Kobayashi left LAX and went to Union Station, where she was also seen on surveillance camera. There, she bought a bus ticket to Mexico. Relatives said they were investigating the possibility that Kobayashi may have been involved in a green card marriage scam after her mother reportedly found immigration documents at her Maui home. It's unclear if this claim is valid. Her family offered refunds to anyone who donated to the GoFundMe page that raised nearly $50,000 for search efforts and her family's funeral. Kobayashi returned to the U.S. from Mexico on Dec. 15. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Hannah Kobayashi: Missing woman safely crossed U.S.-Mexico border, LAPD says She told People magazine that she had been unaware of the media coverage of her disappearance. "My focus now is on my healing, my peace and my creativity," Kobayashi said. What's next Speaking to SFGate on Monday, Kobayashi said she'd eventually share more details regarding her voluntary disappearance soon. "Given my particular situation on the other side of my experience, I understand how some people would choose to cast me in a negative light, but I know who I am, I know my truth and one day, I will share it," she said on Instagram, the publication reported. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family of woman who went missing on cross-country vacation says cryptic texts sent from phone unlike her "I do believe that we can all learn to be kinder to one another because we never really know what someone else has been through unless we've walked in their shoes," she added. The Source Information for this story is from the Instagram account of Hannah Kobayashi and previous FOX 11 reports.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Brandon family turns tragedy into purpose during Mental Health Awareness Month
The Brief A Brandon family is turning tragedy into purpose during Mental Health Awareness Month. Three years after losing their beloved son and brother to suicide, his family started an initiative that offers a lifeline to people struggling. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. RIVERVIEW, Fla. - May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and one local family is transforming personal heartbreak into a powerful mission to save lives. Three years after losing their beloved son and brother, Joey Brewer, to suicide, his family is turning pain into purpose through the Just Help Out Foundation—an initiative that offers a lifeline to those facing mental health struggles. Joey Brewer was a familiar face at Crunch Fitness in Riverview. It was Joey who encouraged his sister, Nicole Venegas, to become a spin instructor there. Now, that same room will host a spin-o-thon on Sunday, to raise money for the foundation created in his memory. "I lost my brother to suicide," Nicole Venegas said. "We had no idea that he was suicidal. It was a complete shock to all of us." Growing up, Nicole always felt protective of her older brother. "I protected Joey with all my might, my whole life," she recalled. There are some struggles, we can't shield our loved ones from. Joey's unexpected death devastated the family. "Everything changes. And it's really a struggle just to get up some days," Kathie shared. "But I'm getting there." They did not stay on the sidelines of grief. READ: TGH helping new moms through new mental health program: 'There is a stigma' Nicole—who is also a mental health professional—channeled her loss into action helping the clients she sees every day. What they're saying "I know that they can get to a brighter side. And they do," Nicole said. "Maybe over 10 people in the last six months who were very suicidal—ready to take their life—are now living their best life." She founded the Just Help Out Foundation to provide free access to therapy, mental health resources, and a sense of community for those feeling isolated or hopeless. Those who go through the foundation's programs are affectionately referred to as "Joeys," a tribute to the man who inspired it all. For Nicole, hearing someone say her brother's death helped save their life brings comfort and meaning. "There's been a few 'Joeys' that have actually said, 'Your brother's death has saved my life,'" she said. As spin class participants ride together this weekend, the message is clear: hope is possible. Just as a wheel turns, pain can turn to purpose, if you keep moving through it. "I miss Joey every day," Nicole said. "But then I look at all these people who are getting so much help, who maybe wouldn't have gotten that help." Through the Just Help Out Foundation, Joey's family is ensuring that no one has to struggle alone—and that Joey's legacy lives on in every life they touch. What you can do If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
