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Authorities investigate death of Grant student

Grant High School officials and students are mourning the death of a 17-year-old senior in an apparent suicide.

Officials confirmed there are rumors that cyberbullying may have played a role in the death, but so far there is no indication bullying was involved. Grant High School District 124 Superintendent John Benedetti said Friday those rumors are being investigated and are so far unfounded.

While it’s unclear how the rumors started, Benedetti said students began supporting an anti-cyberbullying website shortly after the suicide. He said district officials backed their action, despite a lack of evidence bullying was involved, because it was an effort by students to unify.

“We are working closely with students and the staff to obtain any information that it (bullying) may have occurred,” he said.

Crisis counselors are available at the school to speak with any student in need, he added.

Lake Villa Deputy Police Chief Roger Schroeder said emergency officials were called to a house in the 1200 block of Ridgewood Drive on Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m. The victim was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he later died.

Schroeder said nothing appears suspicious, adding there is no evidence bullying was involved.

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