Crystal Lake Police Investigate Death of LITH Teen

The Crystal Lake Police Department is investigating the death of a teenage girl that occurred at a home in the 600 block of Grand Canyon Circle on Sunday, March 10, 2013, according to the Northwest Herald.

The teen who died was Stephanie Chiakas, of Lake in the Hills, the NWH reports. Chiakas was a junior at Crystal Lake South and did not live at the Grand Canyon Circle home.

District 155 Spokesman Jeff Puma said Crystal Lake South High School has counselors, social workers, and a school psychologist available to provide support to students.

"The crisis team met Sunday night and was prepared to offer this service on Monday morning when school resumed," Puma said. "The team also sent out an email to parents that included information about this support and some other service organizations that exist in our area"

In the e-mail notification, Crystal Lake South Principal Marsha Potthoff and Student Services Coordinator Joshua T. Nobilio stated:

"We are saddened to inform you that one of our students passed away Sunday morning. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends who are personally affected."

The e-mail went on to say school officials are limited in the amount details they could release about the girl's passing. Late Sunday night, Crystal Lake Police Cmndr. Dan Dziewior stated the department would not be releasing the girl's name and details because she is minor.

"Please understand there are legal limitations to the details we may share at this time regarding this student’s passing," Potthoff's e-mail stated. "We are working with the Crystal Lake Police Department and other local agencies, and will make adjustments to the supports we offer based on their investigation’s findings."

Friends of the student have created a Facebook page in her memory entitled "RIP Stephanie Chiakas."

Read her full obituary notice here:

School officials infomed parents to call (815) 455-3860 if they need assistance in helping their child cope with grief. Additionally, the following community resources are available to children and families:

• Youth Services Bureau: (815) 338-7360
• Rosecrance: (815) 363-6132
• McHenry County Crisis Line (800) 892-8900