An ordinary school day ended in tragedy when a parent died waiting in the pickup line at their child’s school. Now, the school in Iowa is offering counseling and the availability of emotional support dogs for students who may have witnessed what happened or have been affected by the news.
The incident occurred on February 18, 2025. At the end of the school day, a student at Mitchellville Elementary School went to meet his father at a vehicle but found him unresponsive.
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The child went to inform an adult, WHO 13 reported. While a staff member requested medical help, two volunteer firefighters who were already there sprang into action, attempting to perform life-saving measures on the parent.
Later, a Facebook post from the Mitchellville Fire Department thanked the volunteers: Rachel Wilimek, another parent who was waiting to pick up her children, and Amy Twohey, a reading specialist at the school.
“Yesterday both of these medics were going about their personal lives when they were called upon to switch from mom and teacher to first responder,” the post reads. “They did it without question. Serving this community in its moment of need.”
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Sadly, their efforts were not enough to bring the man back to life. Later, Jean Cristenson, communications relations coordinator for Southeast Polk Schools, confirmed that the parent died, WHO 13 reported. Police and fire officials have not released the man’s name or his cause of death due to medical privacy concerns. A crisis team was at the school the following day for students.
Fire Chief Mike Twohey sent two therapy dogs in training to the school as well for both students and staff. “I would like to mention that the staff at Mitchellville Elementary jumped in and helped as much as they could as well. Students were redirected as to limit their exposure,” he said.
Community members, who’ve sought to pay their respects to the father and husband, have identified the man as Eric Carr. “I am truly blessed to be able to call you a friend,” Jason Seles wrote in a Facebook post.
“You kept us all in touch when the world got busy. When someone was going through a rough time you were the one rallying the troops and being there for them. I will never forget the great times spent with you,” he added. “You were a light in a dark room. The legacy that you have left is amazing. So many peoples lives were better for knowing you.”
With the family’s permission, Amanda Webb started a GoFundMe account to help assist the family in Eric’s absence. The fundraiser, meant to contribute to the sudden and unexpected funeral costs, has already exceeded its $10,000 goal by nearly triple the amount.
In a message on the fundraising platform, Webb shared that she is “absolutely blown away” by the generosity of their community. Eric’s memorial will take place February 24.
