Published on: January 7, 2025, 02:38h.
Last updated on: January 7, 2025, 03:00h.
The 17-year-old girl whose body was found on Sunday in the desert in Henderson, Nev. passed away due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as per a news report.
The Clark County coroner’s office disclosed on Tuesday that the cause of her death was suicide after an autopsy, Las Vegas TV channel KTNV reported.
Initially, there were worries that she might not survive after spending several days in the desert without food or water.
Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
Reports on Tuesday revealed the self-inflicted gunshot wound. Initial news reports indicated no signs of foul play.
The girl was identified as Jennaleah Hin of Henderson, who left home on December 30 following an argument with her parents. While leaving, she assured family members that they need not worry about her anymore, said Mark Speer, commander of Red Rock Search and Rescue, a volunteer organization actively involved in her search.
Hin departed without taking any food, water, supplies, or a cell phone, authorities stated.
“She was distressed when she left,” Speer mentioned in a statement last week. “So, every day it gets more critical … Every day is more critical than the previous day.”
Last week, Speer informed reporters that the disagreement was “just a typical dispute that teenagers sometimes have with their parents.” No further details were given.
An anonymous hiker spotted Hin’s lifeless body on Sunday morning in the desert east of Sunflower Circle and Spanish Needle Street in Henderson, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The individual then notified local authorities.
Police confirmed that the body matched Hin’s description. Her identification was authenticated by the coroner’s office on Monday.
Flowers and tributes were left in the vicinity where Hin was discovered a few hours after the discovery, approximately 17 miles southeast of Las Vegas.
Upon realizing that she had left home, Hin’s parents promptly contacted authorities. A specially trained dog had caught her scent last week, but she remained untraceable for several days. The search also involved helicopters, drones, and searchers on horses, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, DEA agents, school police officers, and Red Rock Search and Rescue were part of the search effort. Some classmates from her high school and adults from the area also volunteered.
Hin was a student at Henderson’s Foothill High School, where she excelled academically, had never run away before, and had intentions to attend nursing school in the upcoming fall.
Condolences
In a message to students’ families on Sunday, Foothill High School Principal Jonathan Synold announced, “It is with deep sorrow that I share the news of the passing of a Foothill High School student. Losing a valuable life, particularly at a young age, is never easy, and we will always remember this student as a part of our Falcon community.”
Several community members expressed their condolences regarding Hin’s tragic passing.
Praying for Jenna’s family,” Mary Dixon mentioned on Casino.org on Sunday. “This week has been one that you’d hate to have any family go through. Our community came out in full force to help find her. Tonight I will light a candle in memory for those lost or missing. You will not be forgotten.”
Those struggling with suicidal thoughts can seek help by contacting 988, a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.