8-Year-Old Baltimore Student Dies Following Fall In School

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Shock and sadness at a Baltimore City school after a young boy died nearly a week after an accidental fall inside Gwynns Falls Elementary School.

Rick Ritter spoke with friends of the family and the child's classmates.

Investigators say the student suffered a traumatic head injury after falling at school last week. His death has shaken up the entire community and left many looking for answers.

A smile that lit up the room. That's how many are remembering third grader Darius Clark after his tragic death that's hitting his young classmates hard.

"I was more depressed and sad, "said Jashe, a classmate of Darius'.

Parents were sent home a letter on Wednesday saying Darius became "ill" and "fell" in a hallway at Gwynns Falls Elementary last week but city schools didn't release any other information.

Officials say the third grader was first taken to the school's health center before being transported to Johns Hopkins. One parent tells WJZ students and teachers were sobbing as the boy was being taken out on a stretcher. After five days in the hospital, Darius died Tuesday night.

Parents are questioning exactly what happened inside the school.

"There ain't nobody watching him, nobody watching him. They let the kids do whatever they want to do," said Sherron Muse.

Cynthia Adell used to babysit the nine-year-old.

"That shook me up a whole lot because I've known Darius since he was a baby," Adell said.

She's now holding onto memories of the boy she says "was loved by everyone."

"A very funny little guy. If you were ever to meet him, you'd say he's funny," she said.

Like his classmate Jashe.

"He was real intelligent. He was nice, very smart," Jashe said.

Baltimore City police are investigating his death but aren't going into more detail about the potential causes.

As for the third grader's family and friends, they're left wondering how and why.

"Have faith in God. That's the only thing you can do right now," Adell said.

Baltimore City schools released a statement saying their thoughts and concerns are with the family and the entire Gwynns Falls school.

The official cause of death will be made by the medical examiner's office.

Grief counselors are now at hand at the school to speak with both students and teachers.