LOWELL, N.C. — A Gaston County school is in mourning after a student died earlier in the day Thursday.
In a message to parents shared by Gaston County Schools with WCNC Charlotte, Holbrook Middle School Principal Torben Ross said the student passed out while on a school bus and was taken to a hospital for treatment. However, the student passed away at the hospital.
Ross' message to parents said counselors and additional staff will be present to provide support for students. He also asked for thoughts and prayers for the student's family, friends, and classmates.
As of publication, the student's name and details about their passing are not yet known.
Gaston County Police confirmed they were investigating. While they're awaiting final results from the Medical Examiner, the department says the preliminary investigation suggests the student may have had a previously-unknown medical condition.
Below is the full message sent to Holbrook Middle School families:
Hello, parents. We have some very sad and unfortunate information to share with you.
This morning on one of our school buses, we had a student pass out and become unresponsive. The student was taken to the hospital, and we have learned that the student has passed away. This is devastating news for our school family, and we are heartbroken.
We have shared this information with our faculty, staff, and students. We have counselors and additional staff here to provide support for our students as we know the time ahead of us will be difficult. Please keep the student’s family, friends, and classmates in your thoughts and prayers – I know that all of us will come together to support our school family as we mourn the loss of one of our very own.