14-year-old Macon student dies, Bibb County Schools share support resources

The Bibb County School District is mourning the loss of one of its high school students this week.

A 14-year-old Westside High School student died Wednesday, Macon-Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones told The Telegraph. Jones did not provide additional details prior to publication.

Westside High School Principal Crystal Childers School notified families in a message Thursday morning of the student’s death, emphasizing a focus on supporting students and staff affected by the loss.

“We were saddened to learn about the passing of one of our students last night,” Childers wrote. “Counselors and crisis support team members will be on campus today to support students and staff as we process this unexpected loss.”

Childers encouraged families to reach out at any point if they believe their child may need additional counseling support.

“Thank you in advance for your support and for keeping our Seminole family in your thoughts today,” Childers added.

District spokesperson Stephanie Hartley said the district did not share the student’s name with the school’s community to protect the family’s privacy.

Jones posted on social media around 4 a.m. Thursday, also omitting the minor’s name, and asked for prayers for the Westside High School community following the student’s death. Jones confirmed the student died by suicide.

“Yes, it’s 4:13 in the morning, I am asking for prayers for the students and faculty at Westside High School in Macon Ga, this morning thank you,” Jones wrote.

The Bibb County School District’s student handbook provides students with more local mental health and suicide-prevention resources, including the River Edge Behavioral Health center and the Georgia Crisis & Access Line.

Reporter Jesse Fraga contributed to this story.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those who want to help someone else. Call 988 to speak with a trained listener or visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or more information.

This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 8:47 AM.