Tragedy has once again hit the community of Liberty. Liberty High School junior Quentin Underhill attended a party the night of December 29, 2012, at a Liberty residence in the 1100 block of White Oak Lane (Dittmer 1). The next morning, Underhill was found unresponsive on a floor in the house, 911 paramedics could not revive him and took him to Liberty Hospital (KMBC.com) . Underhill died Friday, Jan. 4 (Dittmer 1).
Underhill was a member of Liberty High School’s wrestling team, and Head Coach Mike Hammer, “confirmed the cause of death was a prescription drug and alcohol overdose” (Dittmer 1). A meet this week was cancelled due to Underhill’s death, and the team decided to forego a meet in Nebraska this weekend so that they may attend their teammate’s funeral (KMBC.com). “A visitation for Underhill will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N. Missouri Highway 291 in Liberty. The funeral will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 900 Shady Lane in Gladstone” (Dittmer 1).
Several teenagers and adults were on the scene at the time police responded, a crime scene was conducted, and now the Liberty police said the case has been turned over to the juvenile division of the Clay County Prosecutor's Office. They do not expect any adults to be charged, but some teenagers might face charges linked to alcohol possession.
Liberty Public Schools released the following statement about the loss of one of its students.
“The Liberty Public Schools community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Liberty High School Junior, Quentin Underhill.
“Quentin will be greatly missed by his classmates, teachers, and his many friends. He was a valued member of the Liberty High School Wrestling Team.
“Grief counseling services are being made available to support students and staff throughout the week.
“The Liberty School District and the high school community extend heartfelt sympathies to Quentin’s family during this very difficult time. Please keep Quentin's friends and family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.”
“Authorities Probe Death of Liberty High School Junior: Police Suspect Quentin Underhill Died of Drug, Alcohol Overdose.” www.kmbc.com Jan. 9, 2013.
Dittmer, Ryne. “Liberty High junior Dies of Overdose.” The Liberty Tribune. Jan. 8, 2013.
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