POULSBO — Upon arrival at school Monday, North Kitsap High School students were informed that one of their classmates died over the weekend in what was called an “unfortunate accident.”

Chelsie Grace, 16, a junior at NKHS, was pronounced dead by Kitsap County coroner Greg Sandstrom at 12:22 a.m. Dec. 2 at Harrison Hospital in Silverdale.

The official cause of death was cerebral hypoxia — a condition in which there is a decrease of oxygen supply to the brain.

The death by hanging has been ruled a suicide by the coroner’s office because there was no identified escape, Sandstrom said.

“The sheriff’s office did respond and investigate it,” said Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Earl Smith. Sheriff’s office personnel were dispatched to Kingston at around 10:30 p.m. Dec. 1.

North Kitsap Fire & Rescue crews were the first on the scene as they responded to a call relayed by dispatch as a “traumatic injury,” NKF&R public information officer Michele Laboda said.

The first NKF&R crew arrived on the scene at 10:33 p.m. and transported Grace by parametic unit to Harrison Hospital.

The Sheriff’s office has reported that there didn’t appear to be any foul play involved in the incident.

At NKHS Monday, students had the opportunity to talk with counselors and staff for support which will remain available to them throughout this difficult time, principal Kathy Prasch said in a letter to NKHS parents and guardians.

In cyberspace, Grace’s friends have been pouring in notes of remorse, confusion and closure as numerous kids — both local and abroad — have left their regards at her myspace.com Web site under the banner phrase “We will all miss you ~~ Love, Mom.”

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at Lewis Funeral Chapel.

“i wish i could have been there for u, i wish i had somewhat of a clue, so maybe i could have said or done sumthing, to prevent this all from happening. we all miss u, as a sister, as a friend. i just wish this life of yours hadnt come to an end [sic],” posted one fellow myspacer user — KiKi.