Pennsylvania

Grief Counselors at Main Line School Day After Student Cayman Naib Was Found Dead

A day after a beloved eighth grader was found dead behind his home, students and staff at his Main Line school returned to class.

The Shipley School had grief counselors on hand Monday morning for students to speak with after learning of the death of classmate Cayman Naib.

Crews from the Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue Team discovered the 13-year-old's snow-covered body Sunday afternoon in a shallow section of Darby Creek along the family's 17-acre property on Harrison Drive in Newtown Square, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

The news of Naib's death came four days after the Shipley School student went missing while feeling pressure about school work.

"We are devastated by the loss of Cayman Naib," said Steve Piltch, headmaster of Shipley School. "He was a terrific kid, who was always willing to help and brought a smile to our faces. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with the Naib family ..."

Naib went missing Wednesday night after leaving his Newtown Square home without his cellphone. Becky Naib, the teen's mother, told NBC10 her son had been under pressure recently to get his school work done. She said the teen may have feared having to admit he was behind and face the consequences both at home and The Shipley School.

"We think his leaving might have been sparked by an email that said he was going to fail a class if he didn't get something in ..." she said.

The Shipley School — a K-12 school located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania — community gathered Sunday night to remember Cayman. During Sunday's vigil, Piltch told the grieving students that members of the school and community were there to support them no matter what hardships they face.

"If you have a question or you have a concern, whether it's about yourself or a friend or somebody you don't even know, let people know," Piltch said. "Talk about it. Get the support you need."

Counselors will be available for students throughout the week. Piltch also told NBC10 students and staff are showing their support for Cayman's sister, who is a 9th grader at Shipley.

The Delaware County Medical Examiner's Office determined Cayman shot himself.


SUICIDE PREVENTION: If you know someone who needs help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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