Source: Xiuxia Huang / Getty
WHITELAND, Ind. – A restaurant in Whiteland will be raising money for the family of the 15-year-old girl who died earlier this week.
Whit’s Inn on North U.S. 31 will be donating 20% of its Friday food sales to her family. Purchase food from the restaurant between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday to support the fundraiser.
Whiteland Community High School student Alaina Dildine died after drowning in the pool during a Physical Education class Tuesday. She was only 15 years old.
The Johnson County Coroner says Dildine’s medical examination has been completed, but her cause of death has still not been determined. The office is awaiting toxicology results, which could take weeks.
In addition, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office released a message Thursday, saying their office will be taking the lead on this investigation.
At one point, the message said, “Having an outside agency investigate a death of this nature will ensure complete transparency in the case and will allow the full resources of the Sheriff’s Office to be committed to the investigation.”
Whiteland Community High School classes were canceled Wednesday. Some of the school’s available resources can be found here.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8.
Find mental health professionals around the state area here.
Read the entire message from the Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation here:
Dear Clark-Pleasant Community,
We are writing to follow up on the tragic accident that occurred today at Whiteland Community High School that resulted in a drowning in the pool during physical education class. Despite the efforts of our staff and emergency responders, the student has passed away. The specific cause and circumstances surrounding this tragedy are not yet known, and a thorough investigation will take place.
Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with [the student’s] family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We understand that this news is profoundly upsetting for our entire school community, and we are here to support our students, staff, and families as we grieve together.
Our behavioral health team is working with our students and staff to ensure our entire school family is supported. Our school corporation has resources available to anyone in need and we are here to assist with any situation. Please know that counselors will be available to meet with students and staff now and in the coming days. If your child needs assistance dealing with this death, please contact a counselor. As this news is being reported via news outlets it is important that parents debrief these situations at home with your child. To help you navigate these difficult conversations at home, you can visit the resource linked below.
Classes have been canceled for students at WCHS for Wednesday, May 17, 2023; staff will report to WCHS in order to plan for the students’ return on Thursday. When school resumes on Thursday we will have significant resources available to help our students and staff process this difficult loss.
While all other schools in the district will be in session on Wednesday, counselors will be available to provide support and assistance to our staff and students. In the meantime, we ask that we come together as a community to support one another during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Clark-Pleasant Community Schools
