Pattonsburg Community Gathers for Wellness Outreach Following Death of 8th Grader

PATTONSBURG, MO – A Community Wellness Outreach was held in Pattonsburg Thursday evening following the death of a Pattonsburg student. Behavioral health professionals discussed ways both adults and children can cope with tragedy.

Advice given for adults to support grieving youth include telling the truth about the death, explaining in terms that children understand, not denying your own emotions and expecting many emotions. Experts also say it is important to listen, encourage play and stick to a routine as much as possible to avoid the “out of control” feeling.

Pattonsburg superintendent Bill Pottorff said students and staff react different to the death of a student. He identified the student as an 8th grader.