New London ― City and state police are investigating the “untimely death” of a 17-year-old female in the area of Buchanan Road and Boulder Drive.

New London police and fire departments at about 3:09 a.m. Saturday received a report of an unresponsive female in a residence near Jefferson Avenue and Buchanan Road, according to a news release. She was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Two other people from the same apartment were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to police.

The 17-year-old’s identity is being withheld until next of kin are notified, and the identity of the two other people are being withheld due to investigatory reasons, police said.

New London Police Capt. Matthew Galante said the state Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner is assisting along with New London County State’s Attorney’s Office and the state police Eastern District Major Crime Squad.

Scott Ritter/The Day

The state police Eastern District Major Crime Squad van was parked in front of the Pride Point apartments on Buchanan Road on Saturday afternoon. An area in the back of an apartment building was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape. Crime scene investigators in white protective suits were taking photos on the back patio of one of the units.

Neighbors said Saturday afternoon that law enforcement personnel had been on scene since the early morning but they had no information about the incident.

Police said they encourage anyone with information to call the New London Police Department Detective Division at (860) 447-1481 or submit anonymous information through the New London Tips 411 system.

In a statement issued Saturday night, New London Mayor Michael Passero said his “heart goes out to the loved ones of the young woman who has passed away.”

“Our community is grief stricken at this sudden, tragic loss of a young life,” Passero said. “We ask everyone to please respect the family and friends who are grieving. Our school administration is providing counseling to students and staff. We are asking for everyone’s patience and understanding as our investigators help us learn more about this tragedy.”

New London Superintendent of Schools Cynthia Ritchie sent a communication to families Saturday afternoon informing them of “the tragic and sudden loss of one of our high school students.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and to the entire school community of which this student was a beloved part,” Ritchie wrote. “This news is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions, especially for our staff and students.”

Ritchie informed families that the school district has professionals available to help "with the needs of students, families, and school personnel at difficult times.“

“Counselors are available at all schools for any students or staff members who may need support surrounding this loss,” she wrote.

She listed names and phone numbers of staff available if students, staff, parents or guardians need immediate support. The district also partnered with the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Prevention, The Cove Center for Grieving Children, Safe Futures and Child and Family Agency, to further support the school community.

Ritchie enclosed advice and resources for addressing grief with children.

“If you feel that your child is having difficulty, we encourage you to discuss their thoughts and feelings with them,” Ritchie wrote. “This will help them to work through their grief or concerns.”

“Thank you for your support of each other as we work together to cope with this incredibly sad loss,” she wrote.

k.drelich@theday.com