Students and families in the Pateros area are continuing to try to come to grips with the recent death of eighth grader Austin Hook who took his own life Wednesday. Superintendent Lois Davies said that the greater North Central Washington community has been coming together to help the community heal.

A service will be held for Austin this Wednesday in the Pateros school gym at 4 PM, with light refreshments served afterwards.

Davies said there are a couple of ways people can reach out to the family. If you wish to send something to the Hook family, or to otherwise express your condolences, you can call 509-923-2751, ext. 4. There’s also an account that’s been set up for the family at Wells Fargo Bank with the name “Austin Lives”.