Wolmer’s student dies after collapsing in class

The Wolmer’s Boys’ School community is mourning the death of a fourth-form student who collapsed during class on Monday.

The student was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead, according to the Wolmer’s Joint Board of Management.

School Principal Dwight Pennycooke confirmed that classes were dismissed early following the incident and that the boy’s parents were contacted.

“We have been counselling the affected year group,” Pennycooke said briefly while at hospital, where the youngster was reportedly taken.

“I am monitoring things from here,” he added, directing the STAR to the school’s official statement.

The circumstances surrounding the student’s collapse and death have not been disclosed.

In the statement issued Monday, the Joint Board expressed “profound sorrow” at the loss and extended condolences to the student’s parents, relatives, friends, classmates, teachers and others who knew him.

“This is a deeply painful loss for his family and for the entire Wolmer’s community,” the Board said.

The school has begun providing counselling and other support to students and members of staff as they grapple with the tragedy.

The Board also appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the student’s family and the wider Wolmer’s community.

It urged people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding his death or circulate unverified information.

“The Wolmer’s family stands together in grief and will continue to support the student’s loved ones in the days ahead,” the Board said.

President of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ), Stewart Jacobs, described the student’s death as “most unfortunate”.

“A life loss is never easy to embrace. Moreso, the life loss of one so young makes the impact of death even more painful,” Jacobs said.

He extended condolences to the student’s family and the Wolmer’s community, describing the death as a frightening experience for the wider PTA family and Jamaica.

“The untimely passing of the student is indeed a frightening experience for the entire PTA family and Jamaica. We are an extended village; and regardless, we are comforted that death represents a life changed, and not one ended,” he said.

“The NPTAJ shall pray for the repose of his soul and the comfort of his family,” Jacobs added.

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