By Bonnie Culverhouse
North Webster High School students and faculty are mourning the loss of one of their own.
Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland said the death of Tarcus Hawthorne Jr. was a medical emergency that occurred while he was at school.
“As you can imagine, students and staff are suffering and mourning this special young man, remembering all of the wonderful qualities that he exhibited on a daily basis,” Rowland said in a statement. “The parish crisis team will be available to work with staff and students throughout this difficult time, and we ask everyone to keep the entire North Webster family as well as the student’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Springhill Police Chief Will Lynd said around mid morning Tuesday, Hawthorne was outside in a physical education class when he suffered an asthma attack.
“The student had a pump but it was empty,” Lynd said. “The family had requested a refill, but the teen had not been able to see the nurse practitioner.”
During the incident, Hawthorne was reportedly taken to the hospital where he died.
Lynd said it is still an open investigation, and another news media outlet said there may be another scenario with another student that played a part in the youth’s death.
