A 4th-grade student collapsed at Missouri City’s Palmer Elementary School on Wednesday morning and died a short time later.
Paul Tran, 10, “was walking from one class to another and collapsed in a hall,” Fort Bend Independent School District Chief Communications Officer Mary Ann Simpson said. An ambulance was called immediately and school officials used a defibrillator on the boy while waiting for emergency medical technicians.
Tran was transported to a local hospital, but died either on the way or at the hospital, Simpson said. She was unsure to which hospital the boy was sent.
“The child did have a known heart condition,” Simpson said.
“This news has saddened our staff and our student body, and our hearts and prayers go out to the family,” Palmer Principal Pat Shoffit said in a letter sent to parents whose students attend the school. “You may want to discuss what has happened today with your child. District crisis teams and our entire Palmer Elementary School staff have worked closely with our students who may need to talk.”
11. February 2009 at 6:56 pm
So very, very sad. My heartbreaks for Paul Tran’s friends too. I am hopeful every classmate, teacher, and family member appreciates Principal Shoffit’s desire to help ease their pain. Growing up, in my elementary days brings back a similiar memory — a young classmate collapsing at recess due to a pre-existing heart condition. It is nothing short of tragic for everyone. Our blessings to all.