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Girl, 5, Killed by School Flagpole
 

 

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

FERNDALE — A 5-year-old kindergarten student was killed April 16 after gusting winds caused a flagpole to collapse
at Roosevelt Primary School in Ferndale, according to school district officials.

The girl was at recess with her classmates at the time of the incident.

“There was a recess with half of two kindergarten classes — they were testing the other half,” said Stephanie Hall, district
spokesperson. “The students were with a teacher in an interior courtyard. The wind was gusting, and the flagpole collapsed,
hitting the student and causing a fatal injury.”

The girl’s family has been notified, “but out of respect to their wishes, we are not releasing a name at this time,” Hall said,
adding that a police chaplain and school officials have spent time with them.

Since the incident occurred, every district counselor and social worker has been at Roosevelt meeting with staff members
and students. Roosevelt Principal Dina Kraus reportedly communicated with the entire school via an internal television broadcast.

“It was a beautiful and gentle explanation of what happened, and she asked all the teachers and students to come
together for each other,” Hall said.

In addition, counselors notified the parents of each student who witnessed the incident and met with the students and their
parents, if available, before they went home, Hall said.

Counselors and social workers also planned to be on hand to speak with other parents as they picked up their children from
school, and a letter was sent home informing families of what occurred.

“Tomorrow will be as normal a day as possible,” Hall said.

 

NOTE: This is a freak accident, but this is how my youngest brother died, to this day, it is hard to sing the National Anthem as

it is a constant reminder of his tragic and untimely death. My love for those who serve our country and patriotism for flying our

national flag remains unchanged. This is a great country and to live in a free country to make decisions on demand is a privilege

unprecedented.