An Atlanta middle school student died Tuesday after becoming “unresponsive” at school.

On Tuesday afternoon at Harper-Archer Middle School, an eighth-grade boy became unresponsive in class, district spokeswoman Jill Strickland said. School staff administered first aid and CPR and called 911, she said.

The student was transported to Hughes Spalding Hospital where he died later that evening, she said.

The boy’s mother asked that his name not be released, Strickland said.

The boy was a special-education student and had an existing medical condition, Strickland said. Strickland said she did not know if that condition was a factor in his death.

The Atlanta Police Department says they are not currently investigating the student’s death.

Two years ago, another Atlanta middle school student with special needs died after becoming sick during class. Eighth- grader Melvin Bussey died in May 2014 after his family said he was pushed too hard during a P.E. class in 86-degree heat.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Featured

Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC