Apparent suicide of 13-year-old boy on campus prompts 2 schools to close in Aliso Viejo

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (KABC) -- A 13-year-old boy's apparent suicide on campus at an Aliso Viejo middle school prompted the closure of that school as well as another school Tuesday morning.

Orange County sheriff's deputies were called to Don Juan Avila Middle School around 6:30 a.m. for an apparent suicide on campus.

Responding deputies found the body of a 13-year-old boy.

The middle school and Don Juan Avila Elementary School were closed for the day.

The school district said the boy who was found dead was a former student.

Students mourning placed flowers outside of the middle school.

"I don't really know why he did this, both of his parents were together, he seemed happy, he had hobbies," said student Noah Roseblade, who said he knew the student.

Dr. Kita Curry with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services says suicides among kids ages 10 to 14 have doubled in the past decade.

Curry said the media and social media are contributing factors.

Last August, four students who attended Rancho Cucamonga schools died from suicide in the span of two weeks.

Parents wanting more information should call the school district hotline at (949) 234-5575, sheriff's officials said.

If you need someone to talk to about suicide, you can find several helpful resources here at the website for California mental health resources and by reaching the Nationwide Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.