A Georgia high school student is dead after suffering a medical emergency Wednesday afternoon during a flag football game.
The incident took place at The Weber School, a private Jewish school in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta, according to WGCL-TV.
WGCL reported that the student was a senior.
Sandy Springs police did not provide details, according to Fox News, which quoted police as saying they “are working with the family and the school.”
On Thursday, the website TheSpun published the text of a note from the school to parents and students that gave the student’s name.
WGCL said Wednesday it had ceased publication of the student’s name at the request of his family.
The student’s age was not released.
“This afternoon during a Weber flag football game, a member of the senior class, Eitan Force, suffered a critical medical emergency on the field,” the note published by TheSpun said.
The note did not say if the emergency was suffered while competing.
When young people die this way, should officials be more forthcoming with details?
“Our trainers and staff immediately went to his aid prior to the arrival of emergency healthcare professionals. Eitan was transported to a local hospital for further care. Tragically, we received word that Eitan passed away earlier this evening,” the note said.
“With respect for their privacy, Eitan’s parents request that we do not reach out or contact the family at this time,” the note said.
The note said that school on Thursday was canceled and that crisis counseling was being arranged.
“Following the ethics and practices of Jewish tradition and the longstanding traditions of The Weber School community, we are confident that all students, parents, faculty, and staff will work together to support Eitan’s parents and family in the ways that they need and desire,” it said.
“For now, send wishes for comfort for the Force family and all of Eitan’s close friends and classmates,” the note said.
WGCL published a statement Thursday from Rabbi Ed Harwitz, Head of School, that said members of the school community “came together in solidarity and meaningful reflection and prayer.”
“We are deeply grateful for the expressions of love and support that so many throughout greater Atlanta have shared upon hearing this tragic news. At this time, Weber’s singular concern is to care for our grieving community,” Harwitz said in the statement.
“Weber is partnering with Jewish communal agencies and mental health resources to provide teams of therapists, counselors, and rabbis to support our students, faculty, staff, and parents,” he said.
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