A 16-year-old boy who died Wednesday shortly after being discovered severely injured at a Boston charter school apparently committed suicide, according to law enforcement officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
About a dozen grief counselors consoled students and staff at Codman Academy Charter School in Dorchester on Thursday.
“Our hearts go out to the family,’’ said Bill Walczak, president of the charter school’s board of directors. “We will do whatever we can during this difficult time for them.’’
Walczak said he declined to release any information about the death, including the cause, out of respect for the family and because he did not want to compromise a police investigation.
The law enforcement officials did not release any further details about the death.
Police were called to the school around 3:30 Wednesday, after receiving a report that a 16-year-old boy suffered a life-threatening injury and was in cardiac arrest. The teenager was later pronounced dead at Children’s Hospital Boston.
Officials have not released the teenager’s name.
So far, the investigation has indicated no foul play, and no weapons were recovered from the scene, according to a police statement. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death, according to police.
The boy’s father told New England Cable News that he was found in the bathroom. He said the boy felt the school was putting too much pressure on him and he wanted to transfer.
The family said the school notified them Tuesday that he was going to be suspended, but they did not know why.
“Very, very, very nice boy,’’ the boy’s father told NECN. “Nobody ever complained outside of school. Only problem at school. I don’t know why.’’
The father said he brought his son from Cape Verde three years ago so he could have a better life.
Walczak said students and staff took the death hard.
“It was devastating to both the staff and the students because it is such a small tightknit, family-oriented school,’’ he said. “There were a lot of tears, definitely a lot of tissue boxes.’’
Codman Academy serves about 150 students in grades 9 through 12 and is located at the Codman Square Health Center. The school, which was founded in 2001, is known for its academic rigor, with an emphasis on the sciences, arts, and social justice. Classes are held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the week and part of the day on Saturday.
All graduating seniors typically are accepted to college, according to the school’s website.
On Thursday, the students were planning to do public service, fanning across the city. But instead they gathered at the school, where they split into small groups to discuss the sudden death of their classmate. Some students passed around soccer balls, writing notes and drawing pictures in honor of the teenager, Walczak said.
School let out early Thursday, at 1 p.m.
Some students took to Twitter to share their thoughts about the boy and how they are dealing with their grief.
“Today is probably the worst day of my life,’’ wrote one girl. “Ran out of tears.’’
“Drake’s music helps me,’’ wrote another girl, referring to the recording artist. “May the angels protect you and heaven accepts you r.i.p.’’
Maria Cramer of the Globe staff contributed to this report. James Vaznis can be reached at jvaznis@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globevaznis.