After Apparent Suicide Attempt, Counselors on Hand at Booker Today

Shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, a regular school day at Booker High School was rocked when two students .

According to the school district, school officials immediately locked down the school.

Scott Ferguson, a spokesman for the district, said Booker officials rushed into the bathroom checked her vital signs and began to "aid" her.

EMTs arrived shortly thereafter and transported the student to Sarasota Memorial. She has since been transferred by helicopter to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

Capt. Paul Sutton of the Sarasota Police Department said the student has an “extreme life-threatening injury.” Detectives, he said, are still investigating what led to the apparent suicide attempt.

After school was dismissed and the shock settled, Booker principal Rachel Shelley left a phone message for the parents/guardians of students at Booker High.

“I’m calling to let parents and guardians know about an incident that happened at school today. A student was found in the bathroom with an apparent self-inflicted, life-threatening injury. The students notified administrators; law enforcement was contacted immediately and the school was locked down until we were assured that all other students were safe.  The Sarasota Police Department is investigating the incident. At this time we cannot confirm the condition of the student.

We realize that this is a very difficult time for our students. Counselors will be available tomorrow and as needed to help students cope with the situation. Please convey to your students that school staff will help them in any way we can; they should not hesitate to talk to an adult about anything.”

On Wednesday counselors will be available for students that need to talk about the incident, Ferguson said.

According to Sarasota Police and the district, as of Tuesday night, there is no word on the condition of the 17-year-old student.