A 16-year-old student has reportedly died by suicide in Albert Town, Trelawny, deepening concerns about youth mental health in the community. The teenager was found unresponsive in a yard. Authorities have not yet released the student’s identity, the exact time of death, or details surrounding the circumstances that led to the incident.
Residents gathered at the scene after the discovery was made during the day. Police have since launched an investigation and are urging the public to allow due process as they work to establish the facts.
The tragedy comes just three months after another 16-year-old student from Albert Town, Jamar Surgeon—affectionately known as DJ—was found dead at his home on September 21, 2025. According to his stepfather, Leroy Melbourne, the family was alerted by a scream early that morning and discovered Jamar in the kitchen. Police recovered a note and the teen’s phone as part of their investigation. At the time, relatives said Jamar had not shown obvious signs of depression, though they believed school-related challenges may have played a role.
Data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force indicate that most reported suicides continue to involve males. While the overall number of cases declined in 2025 compared with the previous year, officials note emerging signs of an uptick among females, though figures remain significantly lower than for males.
In the first nine months of 2025, 44 suicides were reported nationwide, down from 53 during the same period in 2024—an overall reduction of nearly 17 per cent. However, the JCF reported a concerning reversal in the latter half of the year. July recorded eight suicides, a 33 per cent increase over July 2024, followed by further rises in August and September of 20 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively.
Authorities and community leaders continue to stress the importance of early intervention, open conversations about mental health, and accessible support for young people and families coping with distress. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from local mental health services or trusted support lines immediately.
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