LARWILL — The Whitko Community School Corporation released a statement regarding the death of 12-year-old Ayden Elijah Adee, Saturday, Feb. 22.

The boy had been missing since Wednesday. His body was found Friday afternoon in a wooded area southeast of Warsaw.

Ayden Elijah Adee

Ayden died as a result of self-inflicted injuries, according to the news release from the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office and the Kosciusko County Sherrif’s Office.

The boy recently transferred to the Whitko School district.

Read the statement in full from Whitko Marketing and Communications Coordinator Nathan Haywood below:

“Yesterday, we learned that one of our own students, Ayden Adee was found deceased. This is the worst reality any family could experience. This is a profound loss for our Whitko family and we that know many of you are grieving, hurting, and upset. As your students return to school on Monday, we will have mental health professionals, counselors and ministerial staff from within the community ready to support students and staff during this time of tragedy. As we grieve together, let’s lean on one another and depend on each other for support.  

Finally, we are encouraging every family to please spend time speaking with your son or daughter about the value of their life, and the lives of others and help them to know it is always ok to reach out and ask for help no matter what they may be experiencing.  

Please keep Ayden’s entire family in your thoughts and prayers.”