Senior Glenbrook North Student, Football Player Dies

Updated June 15, 1:45 p.m.

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, Billy Garrity's cause of death was suicide.

Updated June 15, 12:30 p.m.

Patch talked with Glenbrook North Principal Paul Pryma who described Garrity as "an exceptional Spartan." .

Updated June 15, 12:30 p.m.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Billy Garrity's cause of death is unknown and an autopsy is scheduled for today.

Patch talked with Glenbrook North Principal Paul Pryma who described Garrity as "an exceptional Spartan." .

Updated at June 14, 8 p.m. 

Students and parents have come together at St Norbert, 1809 Walters Ave., for a community gathering. 

Stay tuned to Patch for community reactions. 

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The following letter was e-mailed to members of the Glenbrook District 225 community Thursday evening: 

Dear GBN Parent,

We regret to inform you that a tragedy occurred in the GBN family.  Earlier today we learned that GBN student William “Billy" Garrity passed away. Billy was an outstanding student, a member of the football team, and close to many at Glenbrook North. Billy would have been a senior at GBN this fall. 

The loss of a young person is tragic and we are concerned for the potential impact on other young people in our community. Please share this information with your student in a manner that you feel is appropriate.

Tomorrow, GBN will be open and counselors and social workers will be available for students who need assistance. Summer school will continue as scheduled at GBS where counselors and social workers will also be available.  

Please keep the Garrity family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Paul Pryma
Principal

Stay tuned to Patch for more details as they're available.