Shenango Area junior high students were mourning a classmate today.

Township police responded at 5:25 p.m. yesterday to a Yoho Alley residence for a 13-year-old male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Willis Park was pronounced dead at the scene by Lawrence County Deputy Coroner Richard Johnson.

The youth was a seventh-grade student at Shenango.

Superintendent Eugene Thomas said grief counselors will be at the school today "to help the student body get through this (tragedy)."

"The school is saddened by the loss of one of our students," Thomas said. "It has a profound affect on students, staff and community as well as the family."

Thomas said staff members will talk with students to help them get through the day. He added that a letter would be sent home to parents, informing them that additional assistance is available by contacting the school.

"In the meantime, the Shenango Area School District extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends on this sad occasion."