High school student dies after collapsing in class
10/03/2002By SUSANNAH FRAME / KING 5 News
EVERETT, Wash. — A female student at Mariner High School died after mysteriously collapsing in class early Thursday morning.
Sixteen-year-old junior Sarah Dotson was in her first-period computer science lab when she complained of a headache, collapsed, hit her head on the desk, and fell to the floor, witnesses said.
Neither the school nurse nor paramedics could revive her. Dotson was taken to nearby Providence Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
Sarah Dotson is remembered for her great singing voice. |
School administrators have no idea why Dotson collapsed and are shocked by her death. They say they have no known history of her having a disease or sickness.
"We're concerned for her family, all of her friends and the kids in the classroom. It's a sad day at Mariner High School," said Andy Muntz, Mulkilteo School District spokesman. "We've brought counselors from other schools."
The chaplain from Fire District one was at the school Thursday to talk with staff members, Muntz said.
"The teacher that was in the class is just devastated," he said.
Preliminary autopsy results showed Dotson did not die of any infection or communicable disease. The cause of death remained under investigation, said Leon Reichle, chief investigator for the Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office.
The school went into a 45-minute lockdown after Dotson's death was announced, which Muntz said is standard procedure following emergencies.
After the principal announced Dotson's death over the school intercom, students close to the girl set up pink roses and notes of tribute to her friend.
Many went home.
After the principal announced the student's death over the school intercom, students close to the girl set up pink roses and notes of tribute to the girl. |
"I was sitting and we all gasped, and now I just want to go home," student Candice Ailport said Thursday.
Dotson was a respected singer and member of the school choir. She especially loved drama and last year she had a role in the high school play "It's a Wonderful Life"
"She was very outgoing, she went up to strangers and said, 'hey'," fellow student Jill Panetta said. "Her smile made everyone else smile that was around her and stuff."
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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