A tragedy struck in the heart of Jaén on Saturday night: the bodies of two girls, aged 15 and 16, were found in Parque de la Concordia. Concerned about their absence, relatives discovered the teenagers themselves around 1:30 a.m. Emergency services arrived at the scene, but it was already too late to save the girls.
An initial examination by police found no external injuries on the bodies. Investigators have ruled out third-party involvement and are treating suicide as the main theory. City authorities and law enforcement have urged the public to respect the families’ privacy and refrain from spreading rumors.
The city’s response and official statements
In response to the tragedy, Jaén City Hall has declared three days of mourning. On Monday at noon, a minute of silence will be held outside the municipal building to honor the victims. Mayor Julio Millán expressed condolences to the families and underscored the importance of community support during this difficult time. He also called on residents not to deepen the pain of the affected families or share unverified information.
The case is now being investigated by the judicial police. All details are classified to protect the interests of the minors and their families. Officials stress that any comments regarding the incident should be extremely sensitive and respectful.
The issue of youth suicide in Spain
The incident has once again drawn attention to the issue of teenage suicide in the country. According to research, nearly 7.5% of Spanish students aged 12 to 20 are at high risk, and 6.5% have already attempted suicide. In 2024, preliminary data shows that 3,846 people died by suicide in Spain, compared to 4,116 in 2023. Of these, 203 were between the ages of 12 and 24.
The World Health Organization classifies suicide as a major public health concern. The causes are always complex, influenced by social, psychological, biological, and cultural factors. Experts note that a person who decides to take this step is most often trying to escape unbearable suffering, not life itself.
New initiatives and support for teenagers
In recent years, Spain has launched projects aimed at preventing such tragedies. One example is Casa Maná—a space where teenagers can get psychological support, join group or individual sessions, and engage in creativity or gardening. The center is open during the day for those aged 14–18.
Additionally, the nationwide helpline 024 is available for both teenagers and their loved ones. Survivor support associations are developing special protocols and guidance for families coping with loss.
Public discussion and changing attitudes toward the problem
For a long time, the topic of suicide in Spain was off-limits for public discussion. However, in recent years, the situation has begun to change: the media and civic organizations are increasingly addressing this issue, aiming to speak about it openly and responsibly. More and more experts and activists believe that only honest conversation can help reduce the number of tragedies among young people.
Authorities and experts urge parents, teachers, and all adults to pay closer attention to teenagers, not to ignore warning signs, and to seek help in time. Society is gradually coming to understand that staying silent about the problem only makes the situation worse.
