JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a child who was taken to a hospital from Waterleaf Elementary School Thursday and later died.
JSO said there is no foul play suspected.
JSO officers and a crime scene unit van were at the school Thursday afternoon.
Dozens of parents came to the school throughout the afternoon to pick up their children.
"That's really scary and that's really shocking," said Ariela Mendoza, who picked up her 5-year-old sister from the school.
The Duval County School District said letters were sent home with students and the principal sent an automated voice message telling parents that a child had died.
Duval County Public Schools released a statement Thursday evening that said, in part: "We recognize the school staff and first responders took all necessary measures to save this student’s life during this emergency and followed proper protocols, and unfortunately it appears this death may be due to an apparent medical condition."
"We took it upon ourselves because of that voice mail to come get our child," parent Ben Luke said. "We want to remove our child from what potentially would be the source, whether it be traumatic or medically oriented, until we get more information."
Parents said they have unanswered questions and feel heartbroken for the child's family.
"I just feel bad about the parents," Arceli Mendonza said. "I can't imagine. Scary."
The school district said grief counselors were available at the school for students.
https://twitter.com/JSOPIO/status/675036548245622784
JSO is continuing to investigate the incident.
WJAX
