LAGO VISTA, Texas — A Lago Vista High School student died after what the district said was an incident involving a handgun on Wednesday. There was no active threat to students, Lago Vista ISD (LVISD) said.
"Our school is a community, and it is important that we look out for each other, especially during times like these," Superintendent Darren Webb said in a letter to students, parents and staff. "Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support one another through this difficult time."
Webb said school counselors and local mental health professionals will be available to provide counseling and support to anyone who needs it.
The school released students early after the campus was placed on lockdown on Wednesday afternoon.
At approximately 12:15 p.m., the Lago Vista Police Department (LVPD) said emergency units were on scene at the high school, located on Lohman Ford Road. Shortly after, LVPD added that parents should avoid coming to the school until police could provide additional updates through notifications.
Roughly 45 minutes later, just before 1 p.m., LVPD said the incident involved a single student and reiterated that there was no active threat on campus. LVISD confirmed the parents of that student have been contacted.
LVISD said the high school was released early on Wednesday, while other campuses were dismissed at their regularly scheduled times. The district started releasing student drivers and students riding with a student driver at around 1 p.m. After those students were released, students riding the bus were released to be taken home by bus.
As of 3:25 p.m., all students had been released and the scene was secure, LVPD said. All after-school events district-wide were canceled for Wednesday evening.
LVISD said on Thursday, May 23, Lago Vista Middle School, Lago Vista Intermediate School and Lago Vista Elementary School will operate on a normal schedule. Lago Vista High School will be open to students, but attendance is optional.
All absences for May 23 will be excused, the district said, and all remaining final examinations will be exempted. Any student wishing to take a final exam "due to the positive impact it may have on their grade" can contact their teacher to make arrangements.
Thursday is the district's last day of school.
Below is a list of mental health resources for anyone seeking help:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 toll-free lifeline for individuals experiencing emotional distress or crises.
- Call 988 to talk to a trained listener.
Crisis Text Line
- Text MHA 741-741
- Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential text message support for individuals experiencing emotional distress or crises. It is available 24/7.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
- For more information, click here.
