UPDATE - MAY 13:

Medical officials have identified the person found dead outside Lois Allen Elementary School in Sun Valley.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office said the person who died outside the school has been identified as 17-year-old Brenda Padilla, of Sun Valley. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation, and foul play is not suspected.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation and says that it is not being investigated as suspicious.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said this is a heartbreaking tragedy and extended its deepest condolences to the young woman’s family, friends, and all those affected by her loss.

Officials noted that incidents involving young lives carry an immeasurable weight, and their thoughts remain with everyone who is grieving during this incredibly difficult time. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available at:

https://washoesheriff.com/kiosk/mental_health_services.php.

ORIGINAL STORY - MAY 12:

Lois Allen Elementary School remained on secured campus status Tuesday morning as school police continued an investigation.

According to the Washoe County School District website, the school was first placed on secured campus status at 9:35 a.m. because of a school police investigation.

Updates issued at 10:55 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and again at 12:00 p.m. said the school remained on secured campus status while the investigation continued.

“No further information is available at this time,” the School Police said in the updates.

In an online post, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and Washoe County School District Police responded at about 9:20 a.m. to a report of a possible medical call on the outdoor campus of Lois Allen Elementary School.

According to the post, medical personnel confirmed there was a deceased person at the scene. Detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded and took over the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office said there is no threat to the public or students on campus while the investigation continues.

The school was placed on secured campus status to keep students separated from the scene and allow law enforcement personnel to conduct the investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

In a message sent to families, Principal Jill Dickey confirmed the discovery and provided additional details about campus operations and student safety. She wrote:

“It is with great sadness that I am informing you about the discovery of a deceased individual on our school campus this morning. While preliminary information shows this is an isolated incident, and law enforcement does not believe there is any outstanding threat to the school or community, all students remain safe at the school. Please know this is an ongoing police investigation, and the identity of the individual has not been determined at this time.”

She added that the school implemented a secured campus “out of an abundance of caution” to keep students safely inside classrooms and away from the area while police continue their investigation. Teaching and learning are continuing, and the secured campus will remain in place through the end of the school day.

At dismissal, students who ride the bus will be escorted to their buses, which will depart at their normal times. Students who walk home or are picked up by families will be escorted to an exit to avoid the police investigation. The pick-up location will be on the north side of the school, in the parking lot.

The message also noted that counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other district mental health professionals will be available to support students and staff. The Washoe County School Crisis Intervention Team will help with immediate needs, and families were encouraged to seek additional support if needed, including Crisis Support Services of Nevada at 1-800-273-8255 or online at https://www.cssnv.org/.

The Washoe County School District said it is in contact with parents, school transportation services, and will provide updates related to student scheduling, resources, and campus operations.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available.