On Friday, November 17, 2023, at Centennial Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona, a nine-year-old fourth grader lost her life after a large metal gate fell onto her.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported that the accident happened around 2:20 pm as the child, identified as “Arlette,” was assisting in closing the gate.
Deputies and paramedics from the Northwest Fire Department rushed to the scene and immediately began life-saving measures. The child was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead from her injuries.
The sheriff’s department is investigating the circumstances leading to this accident, noting that the gate was disconnected from its support.
Flowing Wells Unified School District, overseeing Centennial Elementary, reported the news of the young girl’s death in a letter to the school’s students and families. Dr. Kevin Stoltzfus, the superintendent, said, “This is a truly devastating time for our community.” He added that additional counselors would be present at the school to help students cope with the loss.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Stoltzfus expressed the school community’s collective grief and the need for support during this difficult time.
The school also plans to accommodate absences for students in mourning, understanding the emotional impact of the accident.
Following the incident, a makeshift memorial began to form outside the school on Saturday. Community members placed balloons, flowers, and stuffed animals in remembrance of the young girl.