A tragic incident unfolded today during a school field trip involving students from Canyon View Junior High School, casting a pall of grief over the community. A ninth-grade student tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
The school grounds were filled with a somber atmosphere as students gathered, lighting candles near the school’s sign in a poignant tribute to their lost classmate. Parents are now grappling with the difficult decision of whether to send their children back to school in the aftermath of this devastating event.
Ian Campbell, a fellow student of the deceased, recounted his experience of the shocking incident. He said, “We were playing a game of spikeball when we heard a loud noise. At first, I thought it was just a bottle popping or a chip bag bursting.” The realization that it was a gunshot left the students in a state of shock.
The field trip was held at South Fork Park in Provo Canyon, as confirmed by the Alpine School District. In the wake of the incident, the district quickly arranged for the students’ return to the school.
In a message to parents, the school administration outlined the steps being taken to support the grieving community. Campbell expressed his own reluctance to return to school immediately, saying, “I probably won’t go for the rest of the week. I knew him quite well, and it’s just heartbreaking.”
The district has assured parents that all other students and teachers are safe. Counseling services are being offered to students, staff, and families to help them cope with the tragedy. A district representative stated, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this.” Despite the incident, classes will continue for the rest of the week, although parent-teacher conferences have been postponed.
The community is still processing the loss, with many offering prayers and support to the family and friends of the deceased student.