Newton Mourning Third Student Suicide

The third Newton high schooler to die this school year took his own life, according to Newton South High School Principal Joel Stembridge, who sent an email to parents on Friday. 

Newton South High School junior Roee Grutman died on Thursday morning.

“There were no indications to any of us — or to his family — that Roee was even contemplating suicide. There are no easy answers. It is simply beyond comprehension," wrote Stembridge.

This is the third death of a Newton high school student by suicide in this school year. Newton North senior Karen Douglas and Newton South sophomore Katie Stack took their lives in October. Newton held a community forum in the wake after the two girls’ suicides. The suicides also sparked a national debate.

In the wake of Grutman's death, the schools will hold a community forum in the Newton South High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Lila McCain, Douglas' mother, has been working to raise awareness about adolescent depression and mental health in the wake of her daughter's death. 

“It just feels like a surreal nightmare that I can’t wake up from,” McCain told the Boston Globe. “I’m still trying to process Karen’s loss, and move forward . . . and now Roee. I’m numb. When they say there are no words, there are no words.”