As police continue investigating the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Tre’Vante Etienne, Health officials are urging Virgin Islanders to focus on another reality unfolding across the territory: the emotional toll the tragedy is taking on students, families, friends, and the wider community.
On Saturday, the Virgin Islands Department of Health announced that behavioral health services are available for anyone struggling in the aftermath of Friday’s shooting, which claimed the life of the Charlotte Amalie High School student and left classmates, relatives, and community members grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
“This is a profoundly difficult time for our community,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said in a statement. “Our hearts are with Tre’Vante’s family, friends, classmates, and all those who loved and cared for him.”
Residents seeking assistance may contact the St. Thomas Behavioral Health Clinic at 340-774-6380, St. John Behavioral Health Services at 340-776-6400, or the St. Croix Behavioral Health Clinic at 340-773-1311. Individuals experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis may also call or text 988 for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The department’s response comes as investigators continue to piece together what happened Friday afternoon in the Savan neighborhood and basketball court where witnesses have said Etienne was reportedly playing baseball with his friends. While various accounts of the incident have circulated on social media and within the community, including claims that the shooting stemmed from an attempted robbery and reports that a suspect has been taken into custody, none have been confirmed by the Virgin Islands Police Department.
Officials have said instead that the investigation remains in its early stages and have cautioned against releasing details that could compromise the case.
What is known is that Etienne’s death has reverberated far beyond the scene of the shooting.
Encarnacion said the loss of a child to gun violence affects not only a family, but an entire community. The Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Division is offering counseling referrals, emotional support, and information about available mental health services to residents affected by the tragedy.
Deputy Commissioner for Behavioral Health Renan Steele noted that exposure to violence can trigger a range of emotional responses, including grief, fear, anxiety, anger, confusion, and helplessness, particularly among young people.
“Following a traumatic event, it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions,” Steele said. “However, if feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, or distress persist or begin to interfere with daily functioning, seeking professional support can be an important step toward healing.”
Health officials encouraged parents and caregivers to check in with children and teenagers in the days ahead, noting that young people may respond to trauma through changes in behavior, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, withdrawal from friends and activities, or trouble sleeping.
For many residents, the tragedy has become a difficult conversation taking place around dinner tables, in group chats, at churches, and among students processing the loss of a classmate and friend.
“In times of tragedy, the greatest strength of our community is our ability to come together,” said Dr. Gesil Ramos, director of the Behavioral Health Division. “I encourage all of us to intentionally reach out to our young people, listen without judgment, and remind them that they are valued, supported, and never alone.”
Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Etienne’s death. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Virgin Islands Police Department.
