ERIE, Pa. — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Erie on Sunday evening, October 6, 2025, after emergency responders were called to a residence near Weschler Avenue following reports of an unresponsive juvenile.
According to authorities, paramedics and police arrived on the scene shortly after 6:30 p.m. to find a 15-year-old girl unresponsive inside a garage. Initial reports indicate the teen was discovered hanging and in full cardiac arrest when first responders reached her. Immediate life-saving measures were administered on-site before she was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the rapid response and extensive resuscitation efforts, the young girl was later pronounced deceased.
Officials have not released the teen’s name pending family notification. The Erie Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Erie County Coroner’s Office are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. While authorities have not indicated any foul play at this stage, they have classified the circumstances as a suspected suicide, pending autopsy results and further review.
Neighbors described the scene as deeply distressing, with emergency vehicles lining the street and officers consoling visibly shaken family members. “It’s something no parent should ever go through,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be identified. “She was such a sweet kid — quiet, polite, and always smiling when she walked by.”
The tragedy has sent ripples of grief throughout the tight-knit Erie community, particularly among local students and educators who knew the teen. School officials have confirmed that grief counselors will be made available to classmates and staff in the coming days to provide emotional support and crisis intervention.
Mental health professionals emphasize that such heartbreaking incidents underscore the urgent need for continued awareness and open conversations about adolescent mental health. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people nationwide, and experts encourage families to stay alert for warning signs, including withdrawal, changes in mood or behavior, and expressions of hopelessness.
Community organizations in Erie are rallying to offer counseling resources and helplines for residents affected by the tragedy.
The Erie Police Department stated that the investigation remains active, and further details will be released once the coroner completes a full examination.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, help is available. In the U.S., you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.