‘Heartbreaking beyond words.’ 12-year-old student dies in Southeastern Kentucky

This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

A 12-year-old Southeastern Kentucky boy died Tuesday, Floyd County Coroner Greg Nelson said.

The boy was identified as Diesel Miller, a sixth-grade student at Allen Elementary School and former attendee of May Valley Elementary. Nelson said he died by suicide.

“I’m just at a (loss) for words,” Nelson told the Herald-Leader.

“We have counselors at the schools for students and staff,” Floyd County Schools district spokesperson Bobby Akers told the Herald-Leader Wednesday morning.

The district wrote in a Facebook post that support staff would be at Allen Elementary and May Valley Elementary “to provide assistance to any student or staff member who may need support in processing this loss.”

“We encourage families to talk with their children and reach out if additional support is needed,” the district wrote. “The loss of one of our students is heartbreaking beyond words. Our thoughts and prayers are with this child’s family, friends, and all who are grieving.”

The group Young Life Eastern Kentucky wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday: “Floyd County students, we are praying for you tonight. You are loved.”

This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 8:36 AM.