Student, 9, Dies After Metal Gate Falls on Her at School

A 9-year-old girl died after a large metal gate at an elementary school fell onto her, authorities in Arizona said. The fourth grader was helping close the metal gate at Centennial Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona on Friday when it fell onto her, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a press release. The department

A  9-year-old girl died after a large metal gate at an elementary school fell onto her, authorities in Arizona said.

The fourth grader was helping close the metal gate at Centennial Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona on Friday when it fell onto her, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a press release. The department responded to a call at approximately 2:20 p.m. that a juvenile had reportedly sustained a severe traumatic injury.

Upon arrival, authorities implemented life-saving measures until Northwest Fire Department personnel arrived. The fire department then transported the girl to a local hospital, where she later died of her injuries.

The sheriff's detectives “responded to the scene to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and process the scene," according to the press release. The initial investigation revealed that the metal gate was disconnected from its support which led to the incident, which remains under investigation.

Stock image of police tape. Shutterstock/Carl Ballou

The Flowing Wells Unified School District, which includes Centennial Elementary, announced the young girl’s death in a letter to the elementary school's families and students.

“This is a truly devastating time for our community,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Stoltzfus wrote. “Several additional counselors will be onsite at Centennial, and we will have other measures in place for our Centennial students.”

Stoltzfus' letter continued, “We will share the news with Centennial students and will provide the opportunity for them to process this tragedy through art and writing.”

Counselors will be available to students and the school will be accommodating absences due to students in mourning, the letter reads.

The letter concluded by sharing the district’s condolences for the student’s family.

“We are grieving together as a school community, and now is a time when we must be there for one another," Stoltzfus wrote. "Please join me in keeping the student’s family and friends in your thoughts.” 

A makeshift memorial that included balloons, flowers and stuffed animals began outside the school Saturday, reports KVOA News 4 Tucson. 

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