COLLEGE PARK, TEXAS — Tragedy Strikes College Park High as Junior Student Dies by Suicide on I-45 Overpass: Community Grapples with Grief and Urgent Mental Health Concerns
The College Park community is reeling from an unimaginable tragedy following the death of a junior student from College Park High School, who died by suicide after jumping from an overpass on Highway 242 onto Interstate 45. The heartbreaking incident unfolded earlier this week, sending shockwaves through the city and prompting urgent reflection on the mental health crisis facing today’s youth.
The identity of the student has not yet been publicly released to protect the family’s privacy, but officials confirmed the victim was a male junior at The Woodlands College Park High School, a well-regarded public high school in Conroe Independent School District (CISD). The incident occurred during daylight hours and was witnessed by several passing motorists, some of whom attempted to call emergency services immediately after seeing the teen on the overpass.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the injuries. Traffic along the northbound lanes of I-45 was shut down for hours as authorities conducted an investigation and first responders cleared the scene.
A Community in Shock
The news of the young student’s death has devastated the College Park High School community. Staff, students, and parents have gathered to console one another in the wake of the tragedy, while school administrators moved swiftly to deploy crisis counselors and support services to help students process the loss.
In a statement released by Conroe ISD, Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null expressed his condolences:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our College Park students. Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy. We are committed to supporting our students and staff as they grieve, and we encourage everyone to seek help if they are struggling.”
A vigil is being planned by students and faculty on the school’s campus, where a growing memorial of flowers, letters, and candles has taken shape near the student parking lot.
Spotlight on Youth Mental Health
This incident has once again put the spotlight on the growing mental health challenges faced by teenagers today. Experts and advocates stress that high school students are under unprecedented levels of stress due to academic pressures, social expectations, family issues, and the lingering effects of pandemic-era isolation.
Counselors and psychologists emphasize that suicidal ideation among adolescents is not uncommon — but it is preventable with awareness, timely intervention, and access to resources.
Local mental health nonprofit organizations, including YES to Youth Montgomery County and NAMI Greater Houston, have stepped forward to offer support and educational materials to families. Schools throughout the district are being encouraged to promote open discussions around mental wellness and remove the stigma associated with seeking help.
Resources and Support
Conroe ISD has activated its crisis response team and is offering counseling services on-site at College Park High School. Additional resources have been shared with parents, including contact information for 24/7 crisis hotlines, mental health professionals, and online support platforms for teens.
Parents are urged to look for warning signs in their children such as withdrawal, noticeable mood changes, sudden disinterest in activities, or talk of hopelessness. In any emergency, immediate help is available through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
If You or Someone You Know is Struggling
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Help is available:
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.
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The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth support) — Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
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Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
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YES to Youth Montgomery County
As the College Park High School community grieves the loss of a promising young life, there is a collective call to action — to check on one another, speak openly about mental health, and ensure that every student knows they are not alone.
A candlelight vigil and community healing service are expected to be held in the coming days. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.