A heartbreaking incident occurred at Farnell Middle School in Tampa on Friday morning when a man took his own life near the school's entrance. The incident took place as students were being dropped off, creating a shocking and traumatic experience for those present, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office identified the school's location as 13912 Nine Eagles Drive, where the unidentified man parked his vehicle on the campus. Approaching one of the entrances where children were being dropped off, he tragically pulled out a firearm and shot himself in the head. Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister shared these distressing details during a news conference held later in the morning.

Chronister's remarks expressed the unfortunate proximity of two children who had just been dropped off behind the man as the incident occurred. Both students immediately ran to the school's office to report the gun being fired, adding to the already shocking turn of events.

The immediate response from law enforcement and the school administration demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the safety of the students and staff. Farnell Middle School went into immediate lockdown, while a deputy already present at the campus and two other nearby deputies swiftly responded to the scene.

Investigations suggested that the man who took his own life was believed to be the former husband of a teacher working at the school. Sheriff Chronister reassured the public that, fortunately, the incident posed no further threat beyond the individual involved.

The school district provided updates, confirming that the lockdown was lifted as of 11 a.m., and the school remained open. Students were gathered in the gymnasium while the school principal maintained communication with the parents. The trauma and anxiety experienced by the two children who witnessed this tragic event were not overlooked, with the school working diligently to support and address their needs.

This unfortunate incident serves as a devastating reminder of the impact of such incidents on the entire school community and the need for increased efforts to prevent such tragedies. The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office and Farnell Middle School will continue their collaboration to ensure the emotional well-being and security of students and staff going forward.

Tony Marrero, the Hillsborough criminal justice reporter, contributed to this report. For any additional information, Marrero can be reached via email at tmarrero@tampabay.com.