LIVINGSTON, Texas — Livingston ISD said in a statement Tuesday the district's heart goes out to the entire community following the death of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham.
Audrii's body was found Tuesday at the Trinity River near US-59, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons said during a news conference.
LISD said she was a fifth grader at Livingston.
"While the details of this tragedy are still unfolding, our hearts go out to the entire community during this heartbreaking loss," Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins said.
Livingston ISD encouraged adult caretakers, parents, and teachers to please offer support, encourage discussion and listen to their children and students.
"If you see your child struggling, please call your campus office. We will put you in touch with a school counselor. Please keep Audrii’s family, teachers, friends, and community in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve this tragic loss," Hawkins said.
The Polk County District Attorney's Office is in the process of issuing an arrest warrant for Don Steven McDougal, who was the person of interest in the disappearance of Audrii. He will face a capital murder charge, District Attorney Shelly Bush-Sitton said.
Audrii was reported missing Thursday at about 6:45 a.m. An AMBER Alert was issued after she didn't get off the school bus that day but investigators learned Audrii never made it on the bus that morning nor went to school.