People in Northeast Fresno and Clovis mourning the loss of teenager who took his own life

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Clovis Unified Officials, students and staff are coping with a student who died by suicide.

"At Clovis West High School overnight we learned the loss of one of our 11th-grade students and so today we had an outstanding team of school psychologists on campus," said Kelly Avants, Clovis Unified School District.

Those who knew the junior said he was well-liked on campus, engaged in school activities and played on Clovis West's football team. His suicide is one of several this year at Clovis Unified.

The district said it is working hard to make sure students are aware of the resources available to them.

"Our school psychologists have peer groups that meet around particular issues. We have a great referral program that is both student can self refer, teachers can refer, a parent can call the school and ask for assistance," said Avants.

The district said it also brings in outside resources like speakers to talk to teens about coping with things like school pressure, a breakup, and depression.

Just a few months ago students at Clovis North High School created a PSA about suicide prevention for the Slick Rock Student Film Festival.

"The main thing we stress to our parent community, to our students, is there are people who care about you on campus. There are people who want to talk, who want to be there-- no matter what the situation is," said Avants.

Some warning signs of suicide include talking about death, increasing use of alcohol or drugs, talking about feeling trapped or hopeless, withdrawing, and severe mood swings.

If you or someone you know is showing those signs experts advise calling the Central Valley Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-888-506-5991.