Oaks Elementary School closed after person commits suicide

HUMBLE, Texas – Oaks Elementary School was closed Thursday after a person committed suicide on campus, officials said.

The incident was reported at 6:10 a.m.

Someone running in the area found the body, investigators said.

"It's a very sad situation. Early this morning, there was a jogger exercising near the campus and that person spotted a body on the campus. The jogger alerted authorities. Authorities were brought to the school and Humble ISD canceled classes at the school prior to the children's arrival," Humble Independent School District spokesperson Jamie Mount said.

Harris County deputies said the body of a male was found near a fence at the back of the school's property.

Investigators have determined that the death was a suicide, deputies said.

According to the district, the victim was not a student, parent or faculty member at the school. However, officials said they believe the person was a student at Atascosita High School.

Humble ISD officials released a statement that read, in part: 

"School will be held tomorrow, Friday, March 10, with all activities continuing as usual. Because children find regular routines comforting, our goal will be to keep the school day as normal as possible.

"Our school will keep all student holidays and early release days in place for the rest of the year, but will be required by the state to make up for the time that we were closed. We will be lengthening the school day by 10 minutes beginning the Monday after Spring Break. From March 20, and continuing through the end of the year, our regular school hours will be 7:55 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

"It saddens us all that our campus was the scene of a tragedy early Thursday morning when a body was found on the campus grounds. Initially, it was believed to be an adult male. It is now believed to be a student enrolled at Atascocita High School.

"Due to the sensitive nature of this situation, teachers will not be discussing this with classes. If students have questions, they will be addressed on an individual basis. Our school will have additional counselors on hand to provide support as needed."

Some parents said they were devastated it happened near where their children spend a lot of time.

"I got a text message just saying the school is closed and all activities are closed. I saw they completely had the campus shut off with police," parent Crystal Johnson said. "We're still gravely concerned because this is where our kids play. This is where our kids learn, go to school. They walk the grounds all day every day.”

“I'm sick to my stomach. It's terrible news to hear,” parent Jennifer Arnold said.

The district said classes will resume Friday. 

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