Covell fifth-grade girl collapses, dies

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A fifth-grade student at Covell Elementary died Wednesday after collapsing after school, a Grand Rapids Public Schools spokesman said.

The 10-year-old was spending time at the LOOP, an after-school program, when she collapsed while playing a math game at her desk.

Teachers trained in CPR tried to resuscitate the student, but those efforts were unsuccessful, district spokesman John Helmholdt told 24 Hour News 8. The girl was pronounced dead at the school.

"She was a typical fifth-grader -- upbeat and bubbly," Superintendent Bernard Taylor said. "This isn't anything anybody should have to deal with -- a young child who, hours earlier, was happy and laughing and in school. Nobody should have to deal with this."

School officials called the girl's death sudden and unexpected. Grand Rapids police investigators are treating this as a natural death, they said.

The girl's name has not been released. A crisis team of counselors is assisting students.

Below is a written statement issued from Taylor: (verbatim)

It is with a very heavy heart that I must report that a 5th grade Covell Elementary student died today during the LOOP after school program. The student collapsed at her desk while participating in an indoor math activity. GRPS staff immediately initiated CPR and medical authorities were called. First responders from the Covell fire station arrived shortly thereafter but were unable to resuscitate the student.

The Kent County Medical Examiner is conducting an investigation on the cause of death.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the students family, friends, teachers, and school support staff who are coping with this tragic and unexpected death. A trained crisis team of counselors, social workers, and support staff will be available at Covell to assist students, families, and staff.