The La Grulla community is mourning tonight following the death of a football player.
Investigators told Action 4 News that Adrian Peña apparently committed suicide just one day before his birthday.
Those close to him tell us he lived a life full of tragedies, but the exact motive for his suicide hasn’t been determined.
"This is just a sad moment. it's really hard to receive this," said Rio Grande City CISD Superintendent Roel Gonzalez.
Starr County Sheriff's Office investigators tell us deputies found Adrian Sunday afternoon just after 2 p.m. with a gunshot wound to the head.
"It's just tragic, but we have to help our kids cope with this tragic loss," said Gonzalez.
Those close to Adrian report he was a varsity football player but lived a life full of tragedies.
They said Adrian witnessed a murder-suicide a few years ago involving his own parents.
Deputies are investigating whether this case drove him to take his own life.
"He will remain in our hearts," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said grief counselors have been on hand to help students cope with the loss of a student.
“Giving them a chance to grieve and have conversations with us,” said Gonzalez.
On social media sites like Facebook., people wrote about what the loss means to them:
Jovana Zarate wrote: “Adrian Peña #64, a La Grulla High School & Gator student, a beloved friend to everyone he met…today is a sad day to many…to his family & friends. May God be with all of u today, & always.”
Rickz Art Kreationz posted: “Prayers are with his family! my condolences to all who knew him!”
Gonzalez said in his 36 years in education, it never gets easier to lose a student.
If you have any questions on how your Grulla High School student can receive grief counseling, contact the district at 956-716-6700.
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