Pat-Med High School Student Takes Her Own Life

A freshman at Patchogue-Medford High School took her own life on Sunday, according to a GoFundMe online fundraiser started for the family of Analeise Klein.

Analeise was a member of the school band and marching band as well as ROTC. She loved sports and played on a softball league, the fundraiser page says. She thoroughly enjoyed the recent high school homecoming festivities and helped create the freshman float.

"Analiese was so friendly and sweet," a person commented on GoFundMe. "She was kind and helpful to my daughter Gigi while on 2 different softball teams together!"

More than $2,500 toward a $10,000 goal has been raised in just three hours for Analeise's family.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24.

A nationwide survey of high school students in the United States found that 16 percent of students reported seriously considering suicide, 13 percent reported creating a plan, and 8 percent reporting trying to take their own life in the 12 months preceding the survey, according to a CDC report.

Warning signs of suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:

• Do not leave the person alone
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
• Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

Photo via GoFundMe