Arlington Suicide Linked to Cyanide Draws Hazmat Team
Teen victim identified with family approval
A suicide possibly by cyanide poisoning sent numerous emergency responders to Rockmont and Richfield roads near Summer Street about 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.
The next day the victim was identified as Jeremy Kremer-McNeil, 15.
Some in the neighborhood were evacuated from the homes as Arlington police and fire crews rushed to the scene, because cyanide is considered a hazardous material.
Capt. Richard Flynn, who reponds to media requests for Arlington police, confirmed that a suicide caused the hazardous-materials response.
The Globe reported that crews rushed to a quiet street after “a young person apparently ingested cyanide.” The story identified the location as 2 Rockmont Road and said the person lived at the home. The updated Globe story quoting a source said the victim was 15.
Elizabeth Vlock, a spokeswoman for Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, said that because the death is not believed to be suspicious, the identity of the deceased is not being released.
Police do not typically release the names of suicide victims.
Bodie’s statement
In a statement released by John Guilfoil, whom provides public information for Arlington police, schools Superintendent Kathleen Bodie identified the victim after conferring with members of the family involve. She wrote to parents and guardians:
“The media has reported the death of an Arlington teenager. We can confirm the sad news of the passing of Jeremy Kremer-McNeil, a sophomore at Arlington High School.
“Jeremy’s mother, Amy Kremer, was previously a teacher and librarian at Bishop Elementary School.
“We extend to Jeremy’s family our deepest sympathy for their loss.
“Sometimes situations such as this are very difficult to process for some students. Dr. Janger will contact high school parents regarding support for students at the high school.
“Some useful contacts to be aware of: Walk-in evaluation screening is available through Advocates in Waltham from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (781-893-2003). Counseling resources are also available 24 hours at the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-TALK). You can also find additional resources at our guidance website.
“We hope the community can provide support for Jeremy’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Town, DA investigating
Police Chief Frederick Ryan reports that the Arlington Police Department, along with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, are investigating a death that occurred inside a residence, possibly involving hazardous materials.
Ryan told the Globe that authorities were investigating whether the youth had purchased the cyanide on the Internet.
Police were called Friday to an address on Rockmont Road for a well-being check. First responders located a deceased male in the basement of the home, with evidence that the death may have involved the use of hazardous materials, possibly cyanide, a news release said.
Police and firefighters secured the area and requested a regional hazardous materials team to respond to the scene.
“A loss of life in our community is a tragedy, but with the possible addition of hazardous materials, we need to be extra careful to also protect the first responders and civilians in the area,” Chief Ryan said in the release. “I wish to thank residents for their patience this afternoon, and my most sincere condolences go out to the family of the deceased.”
Officials have determined that there is no danger to the public. The incident remains under investigation. Further inquiries should be directed to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
Roads were blocked off in the area, and helicopters from several television news stations circled until about 6:45 p.m.
Most neighbors were able to return home by 8:30 p.m.