A community in Bay City, Michigan, is searching for answers after an eighth grader died on his way home from school. Currently, there are still more questions than answers about the boy’s death. Police have made it clear that the investigation is still in the early stages, but they’re ruling out foul play for now.
Reportedly, the boy was fine and well when he got off the school bus. But if that’s the case, how did he end up dead? Police claim it could be weeks to months before they know anything for sure.
Ben Tierney, Bay City Public Schools director of communications and family engagement, spoke with the press regarding the student’s death. He told WJRT the unnamed 14-year-old boy got off the school bus from Handy Middle School at his usual stop on April 15. A short time later, a neighbor noticed him on the ground, and called 911. Emergency services and the Bay City Department of Public Safety arrived on the scene, but the boy was dead.
“After reviewing bus video footage, we can verify that the student entered and exited the bus without issue,” Tierney said in a statement to People. “He was last seen by the driver walking home on a sidewalk, and was later found unresponsive by a local resident who called emergency services. Our local public safety department is still investigating. We have no additional details at this time.”
Sgt. Ben Krzyminski with the Bay City Department of Public Safety noted there were no signs of drugs or any obvious injuries, WNEM reported. However, he also said it’s unclear if the boy showed any signs of distress.
Krzyminski said that an autopsy will be performed on the boy. Police may have more of an idea of what happened within a week. It will take months, however, for the autopsy to be complete.
“We are heartbroken for this family and will do all we can to support them during this time,” Superintendent Rick Seebeck said in a statement shared by WJRT and WNEM. Handy Middle School is providing support to those who need it.
The boy died near MacGregor Elementary. According to Seebeck, the students “were kept indoors and exited the opposite end of the building for pickup while EMS arrived on the scene.”
Seebeck continued, “In the days and weeks ahead, as we learn more and grieve together, please know that help is available and we care deeply about each family we serve.”
The boy’s aunt started a GoFundMe to help his parents with funeral expenses.
