CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A Charlotte High School student was seriously injured after falling at least 10 feet on school grounds Wednesday morning.
At last check, the teenager is in serious but stable condition; however, Punta Gorda Police told Fox 4's Briana Brownlee this fall doesn't appear to be accidental.
According to first responders, the student fell off a catwalk, which is a two-story walkway that connects two buildings.
Charlotte County Fire and EMS said responders flew the 14-year-old to a hospital in St. Petersburg with a trauma alert.
"What that means is high mechanism of injury," said Todd Dunn, spokesman for Charlotte County Fire and EMS. "Because of those injuries, they wanted to do a trauma alert — which means they aren’t going to a local hospital, they are going to go to the closes hospital that can handle it.”
Charlotte High parents provided screenshots of an email sent by the principal regarding the incident.
Good morning, Charlotte High Parents and Guardians,
This is Principal Angie Taillon, calling with some important news.
Early this morning a Charlotte High School student was injured in a fall. Punta Gorda Fire Department and Charlotte County Fire and EMS personnel responded and transported the student to Shorepoint Health in Punta Gorda and then to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. The student's parents have been notified. The student is in serious but stable condition.
No other students or staff were involved. It is important to note that additional mental health staff are available for students who may have witnessed the incident.
Please note that all students are safe and secure. As always, student safety continues to be our top priority at Charlotte High.
The Charlotte County School District said it will not give any further details on the incident to protect the student and family's privacy.
