Genevans seek to cope with student death

GENEVA -- Counselors were available Friday afternoon for students and staff trying to cope with news of the death of a Geneva High School freshman.

Michael Kimmer, 15, died about noon Friday, and within a couple of hours, the School District had sent out an e-mail to parents, telling them counselors would be available the rest of the day, and again next week during school hours and after school.

"We have very capable counselors and they are always there, available to students to help them cope," said Kelly Munch, district communications coordinator.

She added that the school provides parents and students with a community resource list if families need additional assistance. The High School's crisis team is consulting with a counselor from Suicide Prevention Services, the e-mail said.

Funeral arrangements for Michael Kimmer were not announced as of Friday afternoon, and details of his death were unavailable. No one at the Geneva Police Department could provide information or a report on what happened.

The student's father, Joe Kimmer, posted a special Facebook site dedicated to the memory of his son. On the site, Joe Kimmer wrote that his son died at 12:19 p.m.

"Michael, your Mother, Sisters, and I love you so very much," he posted on the site. "You will be missed but not forgotten!"

There also was an invitation from his sister, asking people to join and post comments.