New statement from Bolles in death of student

None — Jacksonville, Fla.-- The president of Bolles has just released a new statement about the recent death of a student.

Fifteen year old McKenzie Wilson died earlier this month after falling into a sudden coma. Both the Duval County and St. Johns County Health Departments are investigating. McKenzie Wilson was the daughter of Everbank president, Blake Wilson. She has two brothers who also go to Bolles. Action News has a copy of a statement by the school president.

Wilson's friends and family are still dealing with her death. She died a few days after her family says she suffered a seizure, then fell into a coma. Her illness is still mysterious. No one really knows what happened. There's been speculation she got meningitis. The president of Bolles is now firing back at a Times Union article's claims that the school and St Johns County Health Department are keeping her death under wraps.

Entire statement from school president:

It has come to our attention that a health reporter with the Florida Times-Union as well as some other media are reporting that the St. John's County Health Department and Bolles are keeping the reason for McKenzie Wilson's death "under wraps."  The fact is that the cause of McKenzie's death remains undetermined.

We remain deeply saddened by our tragic loss.  As we grieve together it is important that we continue to help each other cope with that loss and deal with the facts at hand.  I have consistently been in touch with the St. Johns County Health Department who is actively investigating the cause of her illness. While the cause of death remains undetermined, we can take comfort in knowing that if there were any threat to the health of our community the health department would have immediately notified anyone at risk and provided proper guidance for families in order to protect themselves.

We remain in close communication with the Duval and St. Johns County Health Departments.  We will keep you informed should any additional information become available. In conjunction with the health departments, we have determined all school-based activities should proceed as planned.

I encourage anyone who has concerns about their health or safety to contact their personal physician or their county health department.

(Note: The St. Johns County Health Department is aware of this statement.)

Sincerely,

John E. Trainer, Jr., Ph.D.

President and Head of School

WJAX