Teacher’s Death Highlights Importance of Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Family and friends of Granada Hills teacher Scott Petri attended his funeral in Costa Mesa last week, following his tragic death earlier this month. Petri, who taught Social Studies at John F. Kennedy High School, reportedly died after jumping off a bridge onto the 5 Freeway in Newhall.

Kelly Vail, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, confirmed that Petri, 57, was the man who passed away after jumping from the highway overpass. He was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

“Every life lost to suicide is a heartbreaking reminder of the silent battles many face,” CHP Captain E.A. Krusey said in a statement. “We urge anyone struggling to reach out – there is help and there is hope. No one has to face this alone.”

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Kennedy High Principal Oscar Vazquez released a statement for the school community regarding Petri’s death. Vazquez described the longtime teacher as a “source of inspiration and leadership that will be greatly missed,” and emphasized the importance of supporting the social, emotional and physical well-being of all students, faculty and staff in the aftermath of Petri’s passing.

“[We] want to make sure that you have a chance to talk about your feelings in a safe place,” wrote Vazquez, adding that crisis and mental health counselors are available on site at the high school campus starting May 12 to “provide support and resources for teachers and students.”

For any person coping with losing someone to suicide, it’s necessary for them to go through the stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, explained Soheila Zarifi, a helpline volunteer for the San Fernando Valley chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

“They have to go through the grief – the sadness and sometimes even feelings of guilt,” she told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol. “They have to feel it and let it out. You can’t just say, ‘Don’t feel guilty, don’t cry.’”

Zarifi recommends reaching out to friends, calling a helpline or finding a professional therapist for those who find themselves feeling overwhelmed by their sense of loss or grief following a loved one’s suicide – and to anyone who may think about harming themselves for any reason.

Zarifi advises friends or family members concerned about a loved one who they feel may be suicidal to use the “ALGEE” method to help someone potentially in need: “A” stands for assessing the risk level; “L” is for listening without judgment; “G” is for giving the person reassurance and information, such as the phone number for a suicide helpline; “E” is for encouraging appropriate professional help; and the second “E” is for encouraging self help, such as support groups.

“If somebody is having suicidal thoughts, what we need to do is stop and listen to them. Do not panic – take a pause and tell them, ‘We can call 988 together,’” she said. “Tell them, ‘I’m here for you; I will stay with you’ and stay with the person and try to get them the support they need.”

Petri Dedicated His Life to Inspiring Students

Chris, a 10th grader at Kennedy High, said he remembers Petri being a “really nice and cool teacher” when he took his World History class in ninth grade.

“He was also very smart and he was a very caring person, too,” he told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol.

Briana, also a 10th grade student at Kennedy High, described Petri as a popular and well-liked teacher among students, adding that she enjoyed being in his Ethnic Studies class last year. She said she was shocked and saddened to learn of his sudden death.

“He was a really nice teacher – he was actually one of my favorite teachers because he was pretty funny,” she recalled. “It’s so sad that he passed away.”

Dozens of former students, colleagues and loved ones shared photos and glowing tributes on a memorial page for Petri. “The education world lost a bright light, but his impact and legacy will last an eternity,” wrote his friend Merri Weir. 

Colleague Sophia Petkovic noted, “We will always remember him for his kindness, his sincerity, his humor and his dedication, but mostly for his undying love of teaching.”

For former student Lilit Astoyan, “What stood out the most in Dr. Petri’s teaching was his deep care for the often overlooked. He made a point to highlight the stories of underprivileged and marginalized individuals in history.”

Petri’s teaching career began with the LA Unified School District (LAUSD) in 2003. He had a doctorate in educational leadership, was named the Senior High Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 2021 by the California Council for the Social Studies (CCSS) and was the president-elect of CCSS.

“Scott dedicated his life to inspiring students and empowering teachers,” wrote former CCSS President Rebecca Valbuena on the organization’s website. “At John F. Kennedy High School, and throughout every chapter of his career, he left a mark that is hard to put into words. His students thrived under his guidance … and his colleagues looked to him for wisdom.”

Petri is survived by his wife, Sheila, and his two daughters, Samantha and Sarah.

Friends and family can share memories, photos and condolence messages for the family at: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/costa-mesa-ca/scott-petri-12371268.

For mental health services, including crisis counseling and referrals, call the LA County Department of Mental Health’s 24-hour hotline, seven days a week at 1-800-854-7771.

For the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, dial 988.

For information about mental health resources, including local support groups, go to: www.nami.org/affiliate/california/nami-san-fernando-valley or call (818) 994-6747.