The young woman who died of an apparent drug overdose in the Safeway store March 24, was Leah Bigwood. She was the daughter of Nichole Bigwood and Johnny Dearfield and was a student at West Seattle High School. The case is under investigation.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Leah’s aunt  Ashten Coons, of Port Orchard to raise money for funeral services. She wrote of Leah, “Her 15 years were filled with so much love, and so many laughs... Leah was incredibly creative and talented... she will be missed more than she could ever imagine. Nichole, her mother, who is experiencing incredible loss and sadness that most of us could never imagine… has to have a funeral for her baby girl, so I kindly ask for donations to help make this time just a little less difficult.”

The page has already raised more than $9700, of the $10,000 goal.

See our previous coverage here.

Brian Vance, Principal of West Seattle High School sent this letter to families:

Dear WSHS Families: 

It breaks my heart that I need to send another message like this to families this school year.   One of our students, Leah Bigwood, Grade 10, has unexpectedly died. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Leah's family and friends.   Leah had many friends and her loss will be felt deeply across our community. We want to respect the families right of privacy during this time of grief and at this time we are unable to share any details regarding the cause of death.  If or when additional information is made available for us to share, we will do so. 

When someone dies, it may trigger all kinds of expected and even unexpected reactions in our students.  Parents and guardians have important roles in helping students understand such tragic events.  We recognize that even if your student did not know or been close to Leah, they may still feel a strong reaction. Talking about the incident can be a healthy way for families to process their feelings and reactions to an event of this nature. 

   The following links can provide helpful guidance in these difficult conversations: 

• When Grief/Loss Hits Close to Home: Tips for Caregivers  
• How to help a grieving teen 

Here are some suggestions for how to help students cope: 

• Maintain a normal routine. 
• Answer questions factually. 
• Remain calm and reassuring. Students take their cues from their parents and adults. 
• Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior. 
• Notice when children have questions and want to talk. 
• Be especially loving and supportive; children and teens need you even more at this time. 
• Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your child if you are coping well. 
• Text  “Heal” to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor 

Now might also be a time to have your children identify other trusted adults in their lives that they can reach out to for support.  In addition, if your child has been thinking about or is currently working with a therapist or counselor, this might be a good time to connect with those supports.  Should you need contact information for community agencies that provide mental health and substance use services, the West Seattle NeighborCare School-Based Health Center, or crisis support, you can find that information on the Seattle Public Schools website here.   As well as our SPS Mental Health Webpage. 

Members of our counseling team will be available to meet with students individually and in groups.  Student can reach out through our counselor Schoology pages or website at https://westseattlehs.seattleschools.org/services/counseling_center 

Again, our hearts and thoughts go out to Leah’s family.  As we learn of more ways to support them, we will let you know. One of the strengths of our community is our connection and care for each other.  Let us come together to support Leah’s friends and family through this difficult time. If you have any questions or need additional support, please reach out to me.  

Brian Vance 

Principal