Suicide of 13 Year Old Riverside Prep Student

VICTORVILLE: (VVNG) – Early Thursday morning, a Victorville family’s anguish was made apparent to the neighbors, as their 13-year-old son’s lifeless body was picked up by San Bernardino County Sheriff Coroner’s.

The family was said to have fallen down into the street, the mother screaming and the younger brother slouched over the gutter almost vomiting. The boy, Joey Calhoun,a 7th grade student at Oro Grande Riverside Preparatory School, was said to have been found deceased in his family’s bathroom by his younger brother.  Reports state the 13-year-old boy died as a result of suicide.

There is no particular reason that anyone can think of for his suicide, speculations were made, but most felt he seemed like he was a normal healthy 13-year-old.

“He loved to play baseball and football with my son”, stated Kari Lynn Martin, the mother of one of his friends.  She continued, “I took my son out of school, so I could tell him. I didn’t want him to just hear about it. He is shocked and sad, he doesn’t understand.”.

Many parents at Riverside Prep go back to the speculation of a suicide pact that was rumored during the last, much too recent suicide at the school. This would be the third Riverside Preparatory school student suicide in the past 3 months making parents increasingly concerned about their child’s safety and demanding answers to their questions.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department does not believe Calhoun’s death is connected to bullying or the two other students.

Riverside Preparatory school is offering counseling to the students who are deeply saddened and shocked by yet another suicide amongst their peers. There will be a Memorial held at 6:30 p.m., at Liberty Park in Victorville, where a baseball game that Joey was scheduled to play in has been cancelled because of this tragic event. (Liberty Park is located at 13016 Amethyst Rd, Victorville, 92392). 

Oro Grande Superintendent Heather Griggs released a statement, which said,

We are shocked and saddened at the news of the death of Riverside Preparatory Middle School student Joey Calhoun this morning. Our hearts are with the family during this difficult time. We pledge our support to Joey’s family and friends as we all deal with this tragedy. In light of this heartbreaking incident, we encourage everyone to refrain from speculating about the situation as all facts are gathered.  Now, more than ever, we must support one another during this incredibly difficult time for our students and staff. The safety of our students is our top priority at Riverside Preparatory School. We will continue to work with Joey’s family and all those affected by having grief counselors at the school throughout the next week, as we provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students.