vcpsbldgValley City  (CSi)  Valley City Public Schools have counselors available Tuesday, and in the future, for students and staff as they and the community continue to grieve the loss of ninth grade student, David Lynch, who passed away on Monday.

Superintendent Josh Johnson issued another statement Tuesday, saying out of respect to the Lynch family, Valley City Public Schools will not make further statements, and that additional information concerning the cause of death, or other aspects of this matter, should be directed to authorized agencies.  He added, “Thank you in advance for respecting the grieving process occurring at Valley City Public Schools.”

Superintendent Johnson’s statement added that, “Our students and staff are pulling together to support one another this week. We are grateful for the flood of support we have received from West Fargo Public Schools, Valley City State University, and our community partners. Counselors will be available today and in the coming days as our students and staff mourn the loss of David Lynch and remember all of the good memories we have that include him.”

Tuesday, Valley City Police Chief Phil Hatcher said his department was called to the school during the noon lunch hour Monday to a report of  a medical situation.

When police arrived at the school an officer found a member of the school staff performing the Heimlich maneuver on an individual in the school cafeteria.

Hatcher said the individual who was apparently choking was taken to Mercy Hospital in Valley City where he passed away.

 

Previously….

Valley City (CSi) Valley City Public School’s Superintendent Josh Johnson has issued a statement, saying a Valley City High School Student passed away Monday January 30, 2017.

The statement says David Lynch, a ninth grade student, passed away at Mercy Hospital after taken there by Barnes County Ambulance about 12:30-p.m.

The incident leading to the cause of his death has not yet been released.

Johnson says grief counselors are availiable for students in the Valley City Public School District.

The news release from Valley City Public School Superintendent Josh Johnson:

“It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that one of our students, David Lynch, has passed away this afternoon at Mercy Hospital. Everyone at Valley City Public Schools wants you and your student to know that we are here to help you in any way we can.   Students will react to David’s death in their own way, and we need to be supportive of one another. Valley City Public School will have counselors available to help students in the buildings throughout the day to deal with this loss. If your student would like to talk to a counselor, please encourage them to let any staff member know, or call the main office at 701-845-0483.”

Together, we will get through this difficult time for the Lynch family.

With Deepest Condolences, VCPS Administrative and Counseling Teams

Josh Johnson

Superintendent

Valley City Public Schools

(701) 845-0483