Third Damonte High student in three weeks dies

Another Damonte Ranch High School student has died, the third in three weeks. The Washoe County Medical Examiner said the 14-year-old died at his Reno home.

The Washoe County School District announced the death Wednesday with a Connect Ed message to Damonte parents.

“It is with a heavy heart I am calling you today,” Principal Darvel Bell said in Wednesday’s message. “A freshman student passed away suddenly, and unexpectedly, yesterday evening. We are heartbroken by this additional loss in our school community, and we will make every effort to get the supports needed for your child. “

Damonte High School students Daniel Davis, 17, and Jacob Eckart, 18, both of Reno also died. Davis died Jan. 29 at Renown Regional Medical Center and Eckart died in his home on Feb. 3. The medical examiner said the latest death appears to be unrelated to deaths of Davis and Eckart.

Following the deaths of Davis and Eckart, Sheriff Darin Balaam issued what he called a life-or-death message to the community about the need to educate youth about the dangers of drug use.

"As a community, we must ensure that our children understand the horrendous potential for tragedy which may result from experimenting with drugs, even when the drugs come from someone a child knows,” Balaam said.

Bell’s Wednesday message said district-wide the schools are offering counseling services. He told Damonte parents to call their children’s counselors at 775-851-5656 if they need personalized help.