Islip counseling in Underhill death

The Islip school district Monday offered condolences to the family of a former student who was found dead over the weekend and said it is providing counseling and support to students and staff.

The former student, Kyle Underhill, 18, who graduated from Islip High School in June, was found dead early Saturday in a remote area behind Commack Road Elementary School. He had been reported missing by his parents Thursday night.

Suffolk police said Sunday the death is being investigated as a homicide but did not release any other information.

In a statement released Monday by Superintendent Susan Schnebel, the Islip board of education and its administration said, "Upon learning about this tragedy, the district immediately notified our crisis management team, which will provide counseling and support to students and staff as needed."

The district also said it will continue to cooperate with the Suffolk County Police Department and its ongoing investigation.

In the statement the district said Underhill "was a hardworking student who was also artistic and extremely passionate about his interests. . . . He had expressed interest in becoming a psychologist."

With Patrick Whittle

and Tania Lopez