Grief counselors returned to Pointe South Middle School in Jonesboro Friday, Chanel 2 Action News reported, a day after a student passed out in class and later died at a nearby hospital.
The student, identified by Channel 2 as Andrea Penson, had a medical issue in class, passed out and later died at Southern Regional Hospital.
“She suffered some kind of physical ailment. We don’t know what at this point. All we know is she needed emergency help and that’s what we got for her,” said Vicki Constantinides with Clayton County Public Schools.
Throughout the day Thursday parents picked up their grief-stricken students after they heard about the passing of the eighth-grader.
“I was just like ‘Mom, can you come pick me up? One of my friends passed away and I can’t stand being here right now,’” friend Citlaly Guerrero told Channel 2’s Wendy Corona.
The district said it will be sending a letter to parents to make them aware of the situation at the school and include tips on how to support their students through the grief at home.
Officials said a school resource officer was the first to render aid before an ambulance took Pinson to the hospital.
The district provided counselors and psychologists for students and staff.
Students didn’t miss a beat in honoring their friend, creating postcards saying “You will never be forgotten.”
“There are lots of ladies here picking up their kids. All the girls are crying. They’re friends of the girl and regardless, it hurts,” Guerrero’s mother told the television station.
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