Tragedy at Prečko Elementary School: Extending Our Condolences and Reflecting on Mental Health Care

At Truthlytics, we join the Zagreb community in mourning the tragic events that unfolded at Prečko Elementary School on December 20, 2024. Our deepest condolences go out to the families, students, educators, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. On the morning of December 20, a 19-year-old former student entered Prečko Elementary School in Zagreb, Croatia, armed with a knife. The assailant attacked students and staff, resulting in the death of a seven-year-old boy and injuries to several others, including a teacher who is currently in critical condition. The attacker was apprehended by police shortly after the incident.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Mayor of Zagreb has declared December 21, 2024, a Day of Mourning. All Advent locations will operate in a reduced capacity, with accompanying programs and concerts canceled, as a mark of respect and solidarity during this difficult time.

Reports indicate that the perpetrator had a history of mental health issues, including a previous suicide attempt in 2023. This incident underscores the critical importance of accessible and effective mental health care. In Croatia, mental health services have traditionally been institution-based, with significant regional disparities in access, particularly between urban centers like Zagreb and rural areas. Recent efforts have aimed to reform the mental health care system, emphasizing community-based services and early intervention. The Strategic Framework for Mental Health 2022–2030 has been adopted, focusing on improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and enhancing the availability of services.

Despite these initiatives, challenges remain. The hospitalization rate for depression has doubled over the past two decades, and there is a growing need for mental health services, particularly for children and adolescents. Additionally, Croatia’s health care spending is among the lowest in the EU, which may impact the resources available for mental health services.

This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to strengthen mental health care systems. It is imperative to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health challenges receive timely and adequate support. This includes increasing funding for mental health services, expanding community-based care, and implementing early intervention programs.

As we grieve this loss, let us also commit to building a society that prioritizes mental health and provides the necessary resources to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our thoughts are with the Zagreb community during this difficult time.

On behalf of all the divisions of Monte Alto Venture d.o.o., we – as a Croatian group headquartered in Zagreb, just minutes away from the scene of the tragedy – extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, students, staff, and everyone affected by the heartbreaking tragedy at Prečko Primary School in Zagreb. The loss of a young life and the suffering caused to so many are deeply saddening. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

Monte Alto Venture d.o.o. and all its divisions extend their heartfelt condolences to the families, students, staff, and everyone affected by the tragic events at Prečko Primary School. We stand united in grief and solidarity during this difficult time.

From Count Zero Records (countzerorecords.com), we reaffirm our commitment to fostering creativity and compassion within our communities. Truthlytics (truthlytics.com) advocates for mental health awareness and systemic support to help prevent such tragedies in the future. At Publiccer (publiccer.com), we believe in empowering voices to promote resilience and understanding. inReisen (inreisen.com) is dedicated to celebrating connections and expressing our deepest sympathy to all affected.

From the perspective of Demosubmission (demosubmission.com), supporting emerging talent also means standing with our communities in times of need. Count Zero Media (countzeromedia.com) remains committed to raising awareness about societal challenges, including mental health care gaps. Raduaustriji (raduaustriji.com) continues to connect people and opportunities while standing in solidarity with Zagreb. Lastly, Red White Red (redwhitered.hr) reaffirms its dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding during challenging moments.

As a company deeply rooted in diverse fields and communities, we stand united in our sorrow and resolve to contribute positively toward healing and understanding.