Greenfield Police Share Message Following Death of Fourth Grader

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Police Department is investigating the death of a fourth-grade student at Greenfield Intermediate School.

In an email to WRTV, Deputy Chief Charles McMichael says the department treats all deaths as criminal investigations until it can be determined that no criminal activity caused the death.

McMichael didn’t share any other details, but asked to share a message for parents:

Parents, it’s time to talk to you children. There shouldn’t be anything in their life that you don’t know about. School, homework, sports, friends, every aspect of their life. The more you talk about everyday life, the more comfortable they will be talking about difficult things.

A concerning aspect at present is that simply being close to someone who has committed suicide is a risk factor for suicide in children. 988 is the national suicide prevention lifeline and residents can contact the Hancock Health Connection Center for support, resources and advice.

This death is tragic for our entire community. Our hearts break for this child’s family and friends. The Greenfield Police Department is committed to fully investigating this matter. If anyone has information to share about this case, they can contact Detective Brandon Pope by email at [email protected].

Deputy Chief Charles McMichael, Greenfield Police Department.

Dr. Harold Olin, superintendent of Greenfield Community Schools, says the district has not received an official cause of the student’s death. Olin says the district has received “tremendous support from inside and outside the school district to meet the social-emotional needs of our students at this time.”