Eighteen year old Makayla Mellert, a student at Palisades High School from Tinicum, Pennsylvania, took her own life at 9 am on Thursday, April 4. Mellert went to school Thursday morning, but left early in the morning and drove to Ralph Stover Park, where she jumped off a cliff in the High Rocks area of the park. Before her death, Mellert texted a friend to say goodbye and share her intentions. The friend called 911, which led police to High Rocks, where they located Mellert’s vehicle, backpack, and body.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 15 to 24. A recent CDC study found that one in six teens has seriously considered committing suicide, and one in twelve have made an attempt. The same study found that twenty percent of high school students have been bullied, and sixteen percent have been the targets of cyberbullying. Bullying plays a role in at least half of teen suicides.

Further information on Makayla’s death has not been released. The Keystone Student Voice expresses our deepest sympathy for her family and friends.