Community gathered Monday to show united front for Tahoma

A candlelight vigil offered support to anyone affected by the death of two Tahoma students.

By Kayse Angel • September 18, 2018 1:30 am

Candles lit the night skies Sept. 17 as members of Tahoma High School, friends, families and other community members gathered at New Life Church in Maple Valley to offer support to those struggling with the recent death of two students.

Kylee Snyder, 17, died Sunday, Sept. 16, according to a letter sent to high school families Monday from Tahoma’s principal Terry Duty.

Kione Gill, a former Tahoma student who graduated in June 2018, died the week before on Sept. 9.

Both deaths were ruled a suicide by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

At the vigil, a church leader said, “Let’s be reminded about a community that comes together. A community that unites, a community of human beings.”

Hundreds of people gathered to hear these words and to come together as a strong, united community.

There were members of the church available for students and other members of the community who needed to talk after the vigil, even if it was just to remind them they are not alone.

The letter told families, the high school set aside “quiet rooms” for students to talk with counselors, meet with other students or teachers or to have time to themselves.

“Our emphasis is to provide support to students through their teachers and to offer further support through counselors,” the letter read.

The letter also stated, additional counselors were onsite for students.

“Suicide is a community and societal issue that requires a collective response. We encourage parents to talk to their children, in addition to efforts we are making at school,” the letter read.