James Woods Obituary, Death – Streetsboro High School students now have access to counseling services following the “unexpected” death of a classmate Saturday evening at a private residence in the city. Superintendent Michael Daulbaugh informed the community in northwestern Portage County of the “heartbreaking news of the tragic passing of one of our students, Senior James Woods,” in a social media post on Sunday. According to a Portage County Coroner’s Office investigator, the death is being investigated, but not as a “suspicious death or homicide.”
According to a sergeant with the Streetsboro Police Department, more information will be released after “a little bit of investigation.” According to the police sergeant, officers were called to a private residence shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday, where they discovered Woods. Streetsboro Police Lt. Richard Polivka stated in an emailed statement Monday morning that authorities are continuing to investigate “the events that preceded the sudden death of the juvenile.” “There is no connection to the school, and no one else is in danger,” he said. “We strongly urge anyone who is suffering as a result of this child’s death to seek assistance. Townhall II can be reached locally at 330-678-HELP (4357).”
Woods was an all-time great in the 110-meter relay and the 300-meter individual hurdles as a student-athlete. Daulbaugh, who stated that he spoke with the Woods family, requested privacy during “this difficult time” for the family and the community. The superintendent expressed “heartfelt condolences” and announced that students would be able to access counseling through the Portage County crisis team beginning Monday. Members of the school’s marching band, which is currently at Disney World in Florida, will have access to virtual counseling, he added. “Times like these highlight the importance of banding together and providing support,” Daulbaugh wrote on Facebook. “We encourage students to use the school’s services to assist them in dealing with this unexpected tragedy.” Families with students in the school system, according to Daulbaugh, can expect an email with information on how to access counseling.
