Death of a Student

By Shari Einhorn

Today was a tough day.  I was assigned to do a story about the 4th grade student from Levittown who died over the weekend.  According to the district's website the student "was rushed to the hospital and unfortunately died."

We've confirmed that the student is a girl with a twin sister and an older brother.  We do know where they live but chose not to knock on the door out of respect for their privacy.  I spoke with several neighbors down the block who said simply that their hearts go out to the family.

As a parent, I can't even begin to imagine what that family must be going through.  Obviously, since it has not yet been released publicly what she died from -- it's tough to do a story.

The district says health officials have ruled out bacterial meningitis which according to the CDC website is the form that can result in disability or death if not treated promptly.  It will take a few days before health officials are possibly able to rule out viral meningitis -- which is rarely fatal in people with normal immune systems.

Of course -- it could be any number of things -- none of which will be known until something is made public.

In the meantime, parents in the neighborhood are worried for their own kids ... and devastated for the young girl's family.

Health officials are urging parents to call their pediatrician immediately if their children exhibit a high fever with stiffness in the neck, headache and nausea.

As for me...I offer my condolences to the family and to everyone who knew and loved this little girl.

  

Comments

[SUSAN L.RUDNICK]

THE SUDDEN DEATH OF THE ELEMENTARY STUDENT BRINGS US ALL TO THE REALIZATION OF JUST HOW FRAGILE AND PRECIOUS LIFE REALLY IS! MAY THE FAMILY FIND PEACE AND EMBRACE THEIR TWO OTHER CHILDREN AND KEEP THEM FROM HARMS WAY .IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD RINGS TRUE.SINCERELY SUSAN L.RUDNICK & FAMILY OF AMITYVILLE .

[confedental]

her name was katie barbaro

[Laurie]

Thank you Shari...for not knocking on the family's door..and respecting their privacy.

[Laurie]

This Quote from Newsday "District superintendent Herman Sirois would not identify the student's age or gender."

Then why was the family's identity released to everyone in the district through an automated phone call alert system.

There was no need to put the families name on that recording.

[confidential]

her name is katie babari

[cristina marinelli]

her name was katie barbari