Youth Club Discusses Teen's Death

The Millbrae Leo’s Club gathered on Tuesday at the Millbrae Recreation Center to discuss the death of , the 14-year-old Mills freshman that died from self-inflicted asphyxiation.

As a result of Dylan’s death on Dec. 3, the Leo’s Club advised its student members to comfort other classmates, especially during finals, which begin next week at Mills High School.

The Leo's Club is a youth volunteer organization sponsored and mentored by the Millbrae Lions Club.

“Most of us are really stressed out at school. But something as simple as saying ‘I like your shirt, or your shoes, or just how’s it going’ can make a huge difference in that person’s day,” said Leo’s Club President Silvia Chen.

Alex Lee, former Leo’s president, told club members that if they do not wish to confront someone directly, they can notify Facebook through a suicide help message. The company will alert a suicide hotline and someone will reach out to the distressed person.

To notify a hotline through Facebook, go to the Facebook help center at www.facebook.com/help/ and type in suicide in the search box. The first result will be “How do I help someone who has posted suicidal content on the site?”

“It can be tough to balance school and home. A lot of times you don’t know if someone needs help,” Councilman Wayne Lee said to the Leo’s. “But we can help you identify that behavior in yourself and others.”

Councilman Lee told students to talk to counselors, friends and parents if they know of anyone who may seem sad. The Leo’s Club meeting ended with a moment of silence for Dylan Piefer. The club also vowed to donate $500 to the Dylan Piefer Memorial Fund. For more information about the fund contact Roxanne Susoeff at rsusoeff@prucal.com or 650-291-1964.