Lake County mothers organize vigil to raise child suicide awareness

CLERMONT, Fla. — Some Lake County residents hosted a vigil Sunday afternoon in Clermont to bring awareness to the issue of child suicide, five days after a Lake Minneola High School student shot himself on campus.

Photos: Lake Minneola High School lockdown

Organizers of the “We Are Listening” vigil said two other children took their own lives this week.

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“We want to bring awareness. Young and old, this is not an option. You are important and your life is important,” said April Torri, an organizer.

Torri said that’s why she decided to team up with Renee Lowe to organize the vigil at Waterfront Park.

Read: Boy, 10, dies after getting tangled in park swing

She said she remembers the fear and panic that washed over her when she learned Lake Minneola High School was placed under lockdown, done as a precaution after 17-year-old senior Seth Sutherland took his life.

He brought a gun to school and used it to kill himself near the campus bus loop Tuesday morning.

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“I still shake when I think about that phone call,” said Torri.

"That's really scary to know three in a week and we know of seven confirmed in less than six weeks right here in our back door," said Lowe.

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A sign now offers condolences to Seth’s family and friends, and urges an end to bullying.

These women hope by bringing together students, parents and community leaders, they can find other ways to reach young people before it’s too late.

Cox Media Group