By Chris Post / Editor-In-Chief

An eighth-grade student at Bueker Middle School died Saturday following what school officials described as an apparent accident at his home in Marshall.

Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Caleb Petet confirmed the student’s death in a letter to parents and the community Sunday, Oct. 25.

According to the Marshall Police Department, Saline County E-911 received an emergency call at approximately 2:24 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Marshall police, Marshall firefighters and the Saline County Ambulance District responded to the scene.

Emergency personnel found a deceased juvenile. Police said the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation.

Authorities have not released the student’s identity or additional details about the incident, citing respect for the family’s privacy.

In his letter, Petet expressed condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates and teachers.

“A loss like this is difficult to comprehend, especially when it happens so unexpectedly and without understanding,” Petet wrote.

The district plans to provide additional counseling and support services when students return to school Monday.

At Bueker Middle School, district counselors, social workers, additional administrators and outside counseling services will be available to students who need assistance. Similar support will be available at other district buildings as needed.

Teachers at Bueker will inform students of the death during homeroom Monday using a prepared statement. The district does not plan to make announcements at other schools.

Parents who prefer to keep their Bueker students home Monday may do so without the absence counting against their attendance totals. The district asks parents to report those absences through normal procedures.

Counseling services will remain available throughout the shortened school week. Classes are already scheduled to be canceled Friday, and Petet said the district has not determined whether the tragedy will affect planned parent-teacher conferences.

Petet encouraged parents to contact their child’s school with questions or concerns. He also urged the community to respect the family’s privacy and avoid speculation on social media.

The Marshall Police Department echoed that request in its statement.

“The Marshall Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” the department said.

The investigation remains ongoing.