Hundreds of Agoura High School students turned out for a vigil on campus Tuesday in 17-year-old Dan Behar’s memory.

By Homaira Shifa / Special to The Malibu Times

The suicides of two young men in Malibu at the end of October have put local parents and school officials on alert.

On Oct. 26, Joshua A. Feinberg, a 21-year-old former Agoura High School student, jumped off Rindge Dam 100 feet to his death into Malibu Creek. Then on Oct. 31 Dan Behar, a 17-year-old Agoura High School senior, committed suicide when he intentionally drove his car off Piuma Road near Cold Canyon Road and crashed. Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station officials confirmed both suicides.

“It is so tragic,” Mark Kelly, principal of Malibu High School, said. “I feel for the school community and wish them the best as they cope.”

A crisis team consisting of counselors and psychologists was dispatched to Agoura High immediately following the deaths.

“The crisis team is there for all students and faculty who want to come in and talk,” Donald Zimring, superintendent of the Las Virgenes School District, said. “It consists of group discussions to help everyone get through this tough time.”

Malibu High School is taking extra precautions to help students through difficult times and struggles.

“We are always looking for signs of stress and counselors are always available,” Kelly said. “But we have spoken to the faculty to be on extra alert.”

Agoura High and Malibu High representatives emphasized the importance of keeping the lines of communication open between students and staff.

“It is so important for teachers to stand at the door every day and say hello to each student,” Kelly said. “Look them in the eye and say good morning. Look at the class and see how they are doing every day.”

Right before taking his life, Behar sent out a mass goodbye text to peers. One of his peer’s immediately called 911, but Behar had driven off the road before anyone could reach him. Although it was confirmed that Feinberg, a college student, committed suicide, the reason is still unknown.

School officials stress that it is important to pay attention to what their friends and peers tell them.

“The main risk factor that should be looked out for is if a student threatens to hurt themselves,” Zimring said. “We have stressed to all students the importance of taking the message seriously. Do something about it immediately.”

Principal Kelly reemphasized the importance of open communication between teachers and their students.

“It is very important to work with students on a daily basis,” Kelly said. “Keep them positive. Let them know that there is still time to work on grades.”

On Friday, Agoura High School Principal Larry Misel sent a message to all school parents inviting them to an educational seminar on Nov. 9.

A schoolwide assembly for students took place on Tuesday to offer support. Therapists from the Luddington Institute for Family Enrichment, along with Agoura High School counselors, were present at the assembly.

The Luddington Institute will join Agoura High parents on Thursday for the parent educational seminar where strategies for helping teens will be discussed.

“We are hosting this to help the families cope,” Zimring said. “The students are doing OK, but the parents need help to cope. Parents are frightened and at a loss. This is a parent’s worst nightmare.”

Agoura High students held a vigil on campus Tuesday in Behar’s memory.

“The most compelling message that Behar’s brother sent out to students was to value life,” Zimring said.