Lee’s Summit West High School Grieves the Heartbreaking Loss of Gabby Collins, 16, to Suicide: Community Struggles to Cope with Tragic Passing of Beloved Student
LEE’S SUMMIT, MO – The Lee’s Summit West High School community is grappling with the unimaginable loss of 16-year-old Gabby Collins, a beloved student who tragically took her own life earlier this week. Gabby’s passing has left her family, friends, classmates, and the entire school community in shock and deep mourning, as they try to comprehend the loss of such a bright, compassionate, and promising young life.
Gabby was a junior at Lee’s Summit West, known for her vibrant personality, artistic talents, and warm spirit. She was described by her friends and teachers as a dedicated student who always brightened the room with her kindness. Gabby was involved in various extracurricular activities, including the school’s art program, and had dreams of pursuing a career in the creative arts. Her talents extended beyond the classroom, as she was always quick to offer support to others and showed a genuine passion for helping her peers.
Despite the outward appearance of a confident and caring individual, those who were close to Gabby have shared that she struggled with her mental health in silence. In the wake of her passing, her friends and family are speaking out about the need for open conversations surrounding mental health, urging others to recognize the signs and offer help to those who may be suffering in silence.
“Our hearts are broken. Gabby was a bright light in this world, and we never imagined we would be saying goodbye so soon,” said one of her close friends. “She was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to, and I wish we could have been there for her the way she was for all of us.”
The circumstances surrounding Gabby’s death have not been publicly disclosed in full, but the Lee’s Summit West community has come together to support one another through this difficult time. School counselors have been made available to students and staff to provide grief support, and the district has encouraged open dialogues about mental health in hopes of reducing the stigma and ensuring no one feels alone.
A memorial service will be held to honor Gabby’s life and legacy, and many of her peers are organizing a fundraiser to support her family during this heartbreaking time. In addition, a vigil is planned at the school to celebrate her life and bring together those who loved her.
As the community continues to process this devastating loss, many are rallying around Gabby’s family and encouraging others to be more aware of the mental health struggles young people face.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out to a trusted individual, mental health professional, or helpline. There is always help, and no one should have to face their struggles alone.
In Gabby’s memory, the Lee’s Summit West High School community has vowed to continue the conversation around mental health and ensure that others feel supported, heard, and loved during difficult times.