Hillsboro Mourns After Sixth Grader Dies by Suicide

School district offers counseling and support for grieving students and community.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:43pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image of a young person's brain, with faint glowing lines tracing the neural pathways, conveying the fragility and complexity of the human mind and the importance of mental health awareness.An X-ray view into the mind of a young person, highlighting the need for greater mental health resources and support in schools and communities.Hillsboro Today

A 2,700-person town in Kansas is in mourning after a sixth-grade student died by suicide. The school district has made counselors, therapists, and youth pastors available to support students during this difficult time, urging them not to be alone. Mental health experts emphasize the importance of discussing suicide with children and recognizing the risks and warning signs.

Why it matters

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, and this tragic loss has deeply impacted the tight-knit Hillsboro community. The school district's response highlights the critical need for mental health resources and open dialogue to address this growing public health issue.

The details

Hillsboro Superintendent Clint Corby knew the student personally and described them as a "very nice kid." The district sent an email to parents encouraging students to increase safety and support during this time of grieving and remembrance. Extra counseling and therapy services were made available at the middle and high schools.

  • The incident occurred on April 3, 2026.

The players

Clint Corby

The superintendent of Hillsboro schools, who knew the student personally.

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas

An organization that emphasizes the importance of discussing suicide with children and recognizing the risks and warning signs.

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What they’re saying

“It's important to talk about suicide with your children and recognize the risks and warning signs.”

— Mental Health America of South Central Kansas

What’s next

The school district will continue to provide counseling and support services to students and the community as they grieve and process this tragic loss.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for improved mental health resources and education, especially for young people, to prevent future tragedies and support those struggling with suicidal thoughts.