Classes were canceled Thursday at an Austin, Texas, high school after the body of an 11th-grade student was found on campus.
The New York Post reports that the body of the female student was found hanging from a tree near the rear of the Travis Early College High School building. Staff members discovered the body Thursday morning on what would have been the fourth day of school in the Austin Independent School District.
The Austin American-Statesman reports that after the body was found, emergency responders arrived on campus and a Travis County medical examiner's representative pronounced the girl dead about 7:55 a.m.
"Right now, our focus is on supporting our students, our staff," interim Superintendent Matias Segura said. "Many of us are hurting and just wanting to figure out how to support them better. Today has been a challenge for all of us."
The district provides students and staff with emotional support, such as licensed mental health professionals and counselors, for anyone who might need those resources.
The high school will open Friday from 9 a.m. to noon but only as a counseling center for students and staff who need support, Travis High Principal Elizabeth Salinas said in a letter to parents.
