The death of a Proviso East High School student on Nov. 22 was ruled a suicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to autopsy results released Saturday.
The teenager, 15-year-old Amormio Villegas, died at her home in the 600 block of North 6th Ave. in Maywood.
According to Proviso Township High Schools District 209 officials, Villegas played on the girls’ basketball, volleyball, softball and soccer teams. The basketball team memorialized Villegas at a game on Saturday.
In a Facebook post, Randall McFarland, the founder of the community group Best of Proviso Township said the girls’ basketball team “had the option not to play today,” but chose to play anyway.
“Our Lady Pirates used their grief productively and convincingly trounced the Simeon Wolverines 61-46,” McFarland wrote. “The competitive and strong spirit of Amy lives on. Proud of you, Lady Pirates! Thank God they have coaches who are in sync with them.”
Cynthia Moreno, the district’s communications director, said on Nov. 26 that Supt. Jesse Rodriguez addressed East students and community members on Friday. The school made support counselors available for grieving students.
In a statement, Rodriguez said that “students, counselors, staff, board members, administrators, and community members” attended Villegas’ wake and “leaned on each other and shared wonderful memories of Amormio to get through this difficult time.”
Moreno said that Villegas “was very active at Proviso East and in the community,” adding that the district plans to honor her at its next school board meeting.
Funeral services for Villegas were scheduled for Nov. 25 and Nov. 26.
A family member created a GoFundMe account on Nov. 25 to help cover expenses. As of Nov. 26, the campaign had raised $800 of its $10,000 goal. To support the campaign, visit: tinyurl.com/y8jbcp3d.
Anyone contemplating suicide can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, 24/7 service that can offer support for suicidal individuals or those around them.
They can also utilize the Crisis Text Line. Text 741-741 to immediately connect with a trained crisis counselor.
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