The metal gate that struck and killed a 9-year-old Tucson schoolgirl Friday afternoon disconnected from its support while an employee was attempting to close it, school district officials say.
Meanwhile, a funeral fund for the girl had reached nearly $30,000 by Monday afternoon.
“Law enforcement and emergency responders were onsite immediately, and the district is continuing to work with officials to investigate this incident and determine how it occurred,” says a news release from the Flowing Wells School District.
In a letter to district families, superintendent Kevin Stoltzfus said it is investigating why the gate malfunctioned.
“We will take all steps necessary to make sure a terrible accident like this never happens again,” Stoltzfus wrote.
The district said it issued the release Monday to shed more light on the incident at Centennial Elementary School, 2200 W. Wetmore Road.
Counselors were to be available at the school throughout the week for students and staff, according to Flowing Wells School District.
Stoltzfus told Flowing Wells families, “We are grieving together as a school community, and now is a time when we must be there for one another.”
The girl suffered traumatic injuries when she was struck by the gate at the end of the school day. She later died at a hospital.
A GoFundMe page to help pay for the girl’s funeral had raised more than $28,000 by Monday afternoon.
“Our beloved Arlette has recently passed away due to a horrific accident at her favorite place in the world, school,” the fundraising page says. “Arlette was a wonderful daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend to many. She always touched the lives of those who were around her and had the biggest smile on her face and was cheerful at all times.”
“She always made her family smile with her positive attitude and funny demeanor. She will be greatly missed by all the people she has touched and most importantly her family.”
