A 16-year-old student who overdosed on fentanyl at a school from Hartford, Connecticut, died on Saturday in the afternoon, police authorities reported.
The teenager was in serious condition in a hospital after collapsing in the gym of the Academy of Medical and Sports Sciences (SMSA) last Thursday.
The minor’s death occurred around 5: 16 pm on Saturday, Hartford police told WVIT. At this time, police will not release the student’s name.
“Our city mourns the loss of this child, his loved ones, his friends, his teachers and the entire SMSA family,” Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said in a statement. .
“We still have a lot to learn about the circumstances of this tragedy and how a child had access to such a shocking amount of such deadly drugs. Our police department will continue its investigation and seek to hold accountable the adults who are ultimately responsible for this child’s death,” added Bronin.
After collapsing at school, a school nurse performed CPR while EMTs arrived to transport him to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, the New York Post reported.
The Police indicated the discovery of an opiate near where the teenager collapsed, a powerful drug that can be fatal if taken even in small doses.
Two other minors were also treated after having come into contact with fentanyl, but were discharged after be hospitalized, because they only presented dizziness.
The SMSA was evacuated after the incident, and an exhaustive search for more evidence was initiated with the help of drug detection dogs.
In the search, authorities found 40 small bags containing powdered fentanyl in two classrooms and the gym, Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert said at a news conference.
Since Friday, the SMSA has been closed, and will remain closed on Monday, when celebrate martin luther king day. For now, the Connecticut Department of Public Health will notify school authorities when it might be safe to return.
Meanwhile, Hartford Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodríguez reported that will offer advice to students and staff.
“(Thursday) was a very challenging day, a difficult day, a scary day for our school community in The Sport and Medical Sciences Academy and our entire Hartford Public Schools community,” said Torres-Rodríguez in statements collected by WVIT.