Lake County Gazette

A Glenbrook North High School senior died by suicide after the football season was canceled because of pandemic restrictions.

Emma Woodhouse tweeted about the student, Dylan Buckner, who was a good student with a 4.7 GPA, as well as scoring high on the ACT and SAT. 

“Confirmed: Glenbrook North Senior Dylan Buckner… ended his life,” Woodhouse tweeted. “He was a football player & stellar student. Pray for his friends, family, community—& for the million of kids who are suffering in one way or another under the wrongful Covid response.”

Woodhouse shared a statement from Glenbrook North Principal Jason Markey, saying his thoughts were with Buckner’s family.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the tragic and sudden loss of GBN Senior Dylan Buckner,” Markey said in the statement. “This is a profound loss for our entire school community and our hearts go out to all of Dylan’s family and friends. There are the times when we need to reach out, check in, and ensure that we are carrying for one another.”

Markey said counselors would be available to assist any students who needed support.

“Our thoughts are with Dylan’s family; and we offer our deepest condolences to them, and the classmates, teachers and staff who have been impacted,” Markey said in the statement.

Woodhouse said canceling the football season caused Buckner to lose hope.

“This boy lost hope, and it wasn’t his or his parents’ fault,” Woodhouse said, replying to another Twitter user. “If by ‘making it political,’ you mean showing more people that lockdown policies are leading kids to despair, I make no apology.”

Woodhouse said canceling the football season didn’t save lives.

Ken Chenoweth shared a quote from Buckner from back in the fall about what football meant to him.

“Here is a quote from an interview he did in Nov,” Chenoweth replied. “What does football mean to you? -Football to me symbolizes a place of peace. To be successful in football especially at the QB position your mind has to be 100% focused. Therefore football is a great place to de stress and have fun.”