Franklin Regional High School Vehicle Fire Incident— The Franklin Regional community is grieving after a student was found dead early Sunday morning at the high school in Murrysville.
According to Murrysville police and school district officials, the student was discovered around 6 a.m. near the gym entrance, outside his car, which had been set on fire. Police Chief Tom Kusinsky confirmed that the student’s death was not caused by the vehicle fire, which was deemed secondary to the event. The incident was captured on school surveillance cameras, and authorities said the case is considered closed.
“This is an unimaginable loss for our school community, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the student’s family and friends,” Superintendent Gennaro R. Piraino Jr. wrote in a letter to families, which was also posted on the district’s website.
Piraino said the district is bringing in additional counselors and mental health professionals to support grieving students and staff. Teachers will also be provided with guidance on how to help students who may be struggling with the news.
Out of respect for the student and family, authorities are not releasing further details. The superintendent urged families to have open conversations with their children during this difficult time and shared that anyone in need of support can contact Westmoreland County Crisis at 800-836-6010.
