South Tahoe High students grieve the loss of a classmate

The story has been updated.

After the death of a South Tahoe High School junior, the school has set up grief counseling for students as the school comes to grips with losing one of their own.

On Thursday, school officials notified students and their parents of the death of Thomas Varner.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Thomas and will continued to provide care and support to our staff and students," said Principal Carline Sinkler in a letter to parents.

Over 60 student were seen by counselors through student walk-ins or staff and/or parent referral.

"We have processes in place to continue counseling or provide support and follow up through parent phone calls, referrals for outside services or simply continued connection to staff," said Sinkler. "Our team has done an incredible job working with students who need support through this difficult time. We also appreciate the counselors and psychologists who came to STHS to help from throughout LTUSD and the South Lake Tahoe Health Care community."

She gave parents some examples on how to talk to their children about grief, as well as letting everyone know that the school would be offering counseling when needed.

The following are some ways to talk with your student about grief:

- Listen, acknowledge feelings, and be non-judgmental
- Be patient
- Be honest about your own feelings and reactions
- Normalize expressed feelings, if their expressions include risk to self refer to appropriate professionals.

"Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden," said Sinkler. "We may experience many different feelings, such as shock, sadness, and confusion. I want you to know that our staff at South Tahoe High School, cares about you and your feelings and that all feelings are normal."

Loss affects everyone differently. For those that need to connect with someone for support while they aren't at school, text or call:

Crisis Text Line 741-741
South Lake Tahoe Crisis (El Dorado County Mental Health) 544-2219
Grief Counseling: 530-721-2739

There have been rumors through school and social media about how Thomas died.

"We do not have all the facts," said Sinkler in her letter. "At this time, we ask for respect for the family and Thomas’ memory. Please do not spread rumors in person or on social media."

"This has been a very difficult time for the students and staff at STHS and I can't say enough for the wisdom, compassion and humanity of our team," Sinkler told South Tahoe Now.

"Thank you for all your kindness to each other today," added Sinkler in closing on her letter to parents, staff and students.