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Friday, December 12, 2003

A 16-year-old Warm Springs tribal member died at Chemawa Indian School in Oregon on Saturday.

Cindy Gilbert Sohappy was apparently placed into a holding cell the school uses for students who are intoxicated or are under the influence of drugs. The state medical examiner is awaiting results of an autopsy and toxicology tests to determine the cause of death.

A friend told The Oregonian Sohappy had fallen in with a crowd of drinkers. The BIA would not confirm the circumstances but acting assistant secretary Aurene Martin issued a statement calling the death an "unfortunate tragedy."

Memorial services for Sohappy started on Tuesday. She was laid to rest yesterday. She was the granddaughter of Lola Sohappy, the chief judge on the Warm Springs Reservation.

Get the Story:
Warm Springs teen laid to rest amid songs, tears (The Oregonian 12/11)
judge balances future of children, tribes (The Oregonian 12/11)

Relevant Links:
Chemawa Indian School - http://www.chemawa.bia.edu

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