Counseling services are being offered this week to support staff members and staff because of an incident that occurred at Churchill County High School on Sept. 22.
At 12:25 p.m., on Thursday, the high school went into lockdown after the school’s office manager went into a staff restroom and died by suicide. The Fallon Police Department reports no foul play is suspected and at this time are not releasing any additional information.
“It is with great sadness that we report the death today of high school staff member Sandra Trotter,” Superintendent Summer Stephens said in notifying school district employees and the community.
While staff and the FPD investigated the incident at the high school, Stephens said the school remained in lockdown until it was determined there was no threat to students or staff. Students finished the school day after the lockdown was lifted.
Stephens said the incident involving Trotter has shocked the school district.
“Sandra was a valuable employee with the most infectious smile and uplifting spirit,” Stephens said. “She was extremely dedicated to the students and staff of the district and to the community. She will be missed by all of us and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
The Fallon Police Department and Churchill County Sheriff’s Office have offered their condolences to the Trotter family. Ben Trotter worked as an officer with the FPD in the 1990s before being elected as Churchill County sheriff in 2010 for two terms and New River Township judge in 2018.
Both the Churchill County School District and the Nevada Department of Education are providing counseling in addition to offering resources provided by community counseling. Counseling was also provided last Friday.
Stephens said if individuals need immediate support, they should call the 988 Crisis Lifeline number. Counselors are available 24/7 over call/text/chat for free and confidential support.
Many residents have expressed condolences to her husband Ben and two daughters on the LVN Facebook page.
“My deepest sympathies to Mr. Ben Trotter and children,” wrote Sharon Pacheco. “Blessings to the entire High School Teachers and Students. Heartfelt tears from the Fallon Community. It's time for healing in our small town, May God Bless everyone.”
Jessica White-Harris reflected on Trotter’s kindness.
“She was always so caring and sweet, always asking others how they were! Prayers and condolences to the Trotter family,” White-Harris said.
Racquel Welch said the incident breaks her heart.
“Sandra was truly a blessing to everyone around her. My thoughts go out to her family,” Welch wrote.
Suzi Hyatt offered prayers to the family.
“She always blessed my family and so many others,” Hyatt added.
Waynette VanFleet offered her condolences.
“May the Lord bless this community with peace and love... so hard at these times.,” she wrote. “Just hold one another tightly.”
Landry Ricki recognized the family for community involvement.
“My condolences to this family in their time of loss,” Ricki said. “Both of them such wonderful public servants in our little community.”Mental Health Resources
Apricity Counseling
20 N. Ada St.
(775-391-6088)
High Desert Counseling
775-741-0166 or 775-423-2160
New Frontier Treatment
1490 Grimes St.
775-423-1412
Emergency 775-423-4040 (24-hour number)
Paiute Shoshone Family Counseling
775-423-1155
Valley Oasis Counseling
270 S Maine St. # 8, Fallon, NV 89406
775- 423-5381
Fallon Family Wellness
40 E Center St., Fallon, NV 89406
775-423-3393
Fallonfamilywellness.com
Mindful Matters Counseling Services
40 E Center St. # 12, Fallon, NV 89406
775-294-6526
https://mindfulmatters.life/
Fallon Counseling and Supportive Services
141 Keddie St. Fallon, NV 89406
775-423-7141
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