Crisis counseling offered following death of student

Cloquet High School counselors and staff are providing ongoing support for students after a 15-year-old Cloquet High School student died by suicide Tuesday.

Students were notified following lunchtime Tuesday that sophomore Grant Thomas Kamunen Heroux had died.

"Anytime we lose a student it's a tragedy," said Ken Scarbrough, Cloquet Schools superintendent.

Kamunen Heroux was very involved in school activities including orchestra, choir, Knowledge Bowl and the track team, according to his mother, Lisa Kamunen.

"He played bass in the orchestra and absolutely loved it," said freshman Laryssa Scholz.

Because Kamunen also had a role in the upcoming school play, "Romeo and Juliet," performances have been postponed until further notice, according to Julie McMerty, play co-director.

School officials assembled a crisis team of counselors and other professionals to meet with students on Tuesday, according to Warren Peterson, Cloquet High School principal.

Lisa Kamunen urged school officials "to be very honest about what happened," when talking to students, Peterson reported.

Lee Oling, counselor at the high school, is one of the many staff members meeting with students.

"We have been dealing with shock, a ton of tears and questions," he said. "We are telling kids to take care of themselves and to talk with any adults here at school anytime. Our kids and staff have been through a lot lately," he said, referring also to the school closure due to a threat of violence last week.

On the positive side is the outpouring of support from everyone in the community, according to Oling.

"Having clergy members at our school was very helpful," he said. "Counselors from all schools all over the area are offering their support and many kids are supporting the family by writing letters to them."

Over 100 students, staff and community members also attended a candlelight vigil at Pinehurst Park on Tuesday night in memory of Kamunen Heroux and the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre.

At the vigil, sophomore Cassi Kruchten said she saw Kamunen Heroux at track practice on Monday.

"He was laughing and joking with people," she said. "He was really loved."

Anyone in crisis or thinking of suicide can receive immediate help by calling 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK.