Karen Douglas Body Found: Sister Reports Suicide of Missing Teen
Missing teenager Karen Douglas' body was found this weekend by authorities in Newton, Mass. Police do not suspect foul play but believe Douglas committed suicide.
"The search for Karen Douglas has now ended. NPD would like to thank all the people on Facebook that shared the images of Karen during this tragic event," the police department wrote on its Facebook page. "The NPD does not have any other updates to give at this time while the investigation is ongoing."
Douglas, 18, was last seen at Newton North High School on Thursday, October 3, around 1 p.m. She was reported missing when her parents attended a parent-teacher conference and learned she had not been in her classes that day. Family and friends searched the area around the school and police joined in the search of the 33-acre Edmands Park but found nothing.
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Her sister, Sonya Maria Douglas, took to Reddit to spread the word about her missing sister but then had to make the heart-breaking announcement that Karen was found dead.
"We rushed to and arrived at the scene to be informed by officers that my sister had indeed been found, and that it was too late. She likely died in a drug overdose and had been dead perhaps even 24 hours. We won't know more details until the autopsy is performed and numerous other protocols are followed," Sonya wrote on Reddit.
"I stood over the stretcher and the canvas bag that held my sister and I broke down," she added. "I had stood there in shock for so long, surrounded by my family and the pastors from my church, and a close family friend. But I broke down when we gathered around the stretcher to say a last prayer. I want to thank reddit for being such a supportive network over these past few days. I want to thank those who shared Karen's picture, those who tweeted her information… it means more than you will ever be able to comprehend."
Principal Jen Price wrote a letter to students and parents explaining what was known of Karen's death and offering full support to anyone who may need it. She noted that the entire school would observe a moment of silence and grief counselors would be on-hand for the students and staff.
