FRIEND BLAMES TEEN’S SUICIDE ON OHIO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

16-year-old Hayden Long committed suicide after he and five other Geneva High School students were pulled out at a homecoming dance for reeking of marijuana and told by school administrators that their lives were ruined

Hayden Long, 16, was an honor student and sophomore quarterback at his high school in Geneva, Ohio. At a homecoming dance on October 3, Hayden, his friend Hank Sigel and four other Geneva High School students were pulled aside as they arrived at their school’s homecoming dance because they reeked of marijuana. They admitted smoking pot and some were in possession of drug paraphernalia.

School administrators gave the teens a two-week suspension and kicked them off the school’s athletic teams. They also face possible criminal charges and loss of their driver’s licenses.

On Monday, Hayden committed suicide at his home.

Sigel claims Long was singled out by school administrators and told he had ruined his life. An incensed Sigel blamed the school administrators for his friend’s death. He and his mother posted the following open letter online:

Today our family of Geneva has lost a loved one. Hayden was a great student in class, a determined athlete and a wonderful friendly human being. He was a faithful friend and someone who everyone enjoyed being around. We must never forget the type of person he was and character he possessed. We must remember that everyone's lives matter. Even a joyful, loving kid can be in a dark menal place.

I am a student at Geneva high school and I was involved with the same disciplinary issue as Hayden at Homecoming. A group of kids were accused of smelling of marijuana at the dance. This group of kids was made up of six honor students, who were all involved in sports, and great members of our community. What followed was a two week suspension from school, possible criminal charges, suspension from all sports, and a loss of driver's license.

I was exposed to some things I would never want to see again when I was in the room where we were taken. We were questioned without our parents, and they forcibly took my keys and searched my car. When I stood up for myself and asked if they had the right to do this, I was told, "It's cute you think you know your rights."

Hayden was looked in the eyes and verbally attacked by Mr. Wetherhold, Mr Markijohn, and Officer Gonzales. He was directly told he had ruined his life by our school administrators. The students were told they would fail their classes, had ruined their academic careers, and had made the biggest mistake of their life. A minor issue was turned into a life changing catastrophe by these negligent and vicious men. As a family we know that our lives matter, but in my opinion they do not to Mr. Wetherhold, Mr. Markijon, and Officer Gonzalez. These are repeate offenders, and have been antagonizing and trying to bring our students down for years. We must open our eyes. These men must not be part of our famly any longer.

Hank Sigel

As Hank's mother I would like to apologize to Hayden's family if this letter hurts anyone. There but for the grace of God go I. I remember him a sweet boy from bitty ball with a beautiful smile.

The administration needs to accept responsibility for this tragedy. Impressionable teenagers should not be treated like hardened ciminals.

Heather Sigel

Hayden’s mother Emily was upset with the letter and absolved the school administrators of any blame for her son’s death. She asked the school administration to release the following statement:

The Long family has asked that the district post this message to help eliminate any negative publicity, Emily and Michael in no way blame the school system and are offended that some others are speaking for them. The family of Hayden Long would like to thank the support of the Geneva community, especially the Geneva Area City Schools for their support during this difficult time. We ask that you respect our privacy as we spend quality time with our close family and friends.

Here is my take on this tragedy. I feel bad for Hayden’s parents, but their son should have known that breaking the law can have some serious consequences. By posting his open letter, Hank was trying to cover up the fact that by admittedly smoking pot together with his buddy Hayden, he was a major contributor to this tragedy.