12-year-old dies after jumping off balcony, twin seriously injured

A 12-year-old girl died by suicide in the central Catalonia town of Sallent, near Manresa, after jumping from a third-story balcony on Tuesday.

Her twin sister, who jumped beside her, is in critical condition but remains stable.

Mossos d'Esquadra police ruled out foul play after finding the letters the girls had left behind and the chairs they had jumped from. Their father was at home with them when the incident occurred. 

The girls had been receiving counseling at the school they attended, while social services had also been aware of their situation. 

Education department sources say there is no evidence the girls, who moved to Sallent from Argentina with their parents and younger brother two or three years ago, were being bullied. 

A minute of silence was observed on Wednesday for the sister who passed away, with dozens of people including some of her teachers and classmates gathering in front of the town hall. 

Mayor Oriol Ribalta called on people to refrain from spreading rumors and said authorities were providing psychological support to those who knew the child. 

"These are difficult times," he said. "We feel much sorrow."

A black ribbon now hangs from the town hall building and three days of official mourning have been decreed. The council has also offered the family financial support. 

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the 061 or 024 hotlines