UPDATE: First grader dies following collapse at school

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

A 7-year-old girl who collapsed at her elementary school on Monday afternoon has reportedly died.

According to San Benito CISD Community Relations Director Celia Longoria, the Sullivan Elementary School first grader died Tuesday morning at a local hospital.

In a statement released Tuesday, Longoria said, “San Benito CISD is mourning the loss of a Sullivan Elementary first grader, who collapsed at the end of the school day on Monday. School officials just received word that the student passed away this morning at a local hospital. San Benito CISD is providing counseling services to students and staff.”

Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón also released a brief statement offering his condolences to the girl’s family.

“Counselors at Sullivan Elementary are assisting students, teachers and staff that are having a difficult time coping with the loss of this young life,” said Limón. “We extend our most sincere and deepest condolences to the child’s family and ask that you keep them in your prayers.”

As previously reported by the San Benito News on Monday via sbnewspaper.com, the student was transported to a local hospital via ambulance after collapsing on campus at the end of the day on Jan. 28. School district officials said they are withholding the girl’s identity pending notification of all family members.

“We did have an incident at the end of the school day involving one of our first graders,” Longoria said in a statement Monday. “She was transported to a local hospital.”

In Monday’s statement, it was reported that the student was with a parent when she collapsed and “required prompt medical attention.”

“The school nurse began administering emergency aid until emergency medical personnel arrived,” the statement further read.