Pennsylvania

Death of Student Cayman Naib Ruled a Suicide

The death of Delaware County eighth grader Cayman Naib was ruled a suicide, according to the family.

The family made the announcement on their Facebook page Monday.

"For those who have been following the Naib family’s sad and incredibly devastating news, we have just learned from the medical examiner’s office that Cayman took his own life," a family spokesperson wrote. "The cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. The gun was taken from the home. The police have informed us that despite being fitted with a trigger lock, the gun was still able to be fired. He was found near the 3400 block of St. David’s Road. His death likely occurred in the early evening of Wednesday, March 4, 2015. We were told that he did not suffer."

The Medical Examiner's Office also confirmed with NBC10 Naib died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

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.

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.


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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