A Texas community has been left reeling after the accidental death of a local second grader.
According to the Borger Police Department, officers and medical personnel were called to Gateway Elementary School — located in the Texas panhandle town of Borger, about 50 miles northeast of Amarillo — at around 8 a.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 24, after an incident was reported at the student drop-off area.
In a press release shared to Facebook, police said that the second grader’s coat was caught in a vehicle door as they were exiting. School officials began attempting life-saving measures on the child, police added, and EMS transported the child to Golden Plains Community Hospital, where they died.
“Despite the presence of a senior school administrator who immediately attempted to intervene, the incident happened so quickly that it could not be stopped,” the Borger PD said.
The department added that they would not be releasing the name of the child due to their age and “out of respect for the family.”
Assistant city manager and public information officer Brandon Strope told PEOPLE in a statement that local authorities are considering the incident a “tragic accident,” Police “do not have any reason to believe that criminal charges will be filed,” he added.
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“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this horrible accident as they navigate this devastating loss. The entire community grieves alongside them,” the Borger PD added in the press release. “At this time, we ask for understanding, patience, and compassion for all those affected. Please join us in keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
In a statement shared to the Borger Independent School District Facebook page, the district said that the parents of the student had been notified and that school was let out at 10 a.m. the day of the accident.
Golden Plains Hospital/Facebook
In an additional post, the school district wrote that counselors would be available to “any community member in need of support or guidance” at the nearby Crockett Elementary. Additional counselors will be available at Gateway on Monday, Jan. 27, the district added.
Community members from across the area have since come together to honor the student’s life, setting up a memorial full of flowers, balloons and stuffed animals outside the entrance of the elementary school. According to local outlet KFDA, the area’s local Walmart is donating stuffed animals for the memorial.
During a press conference held by the city, assistant city manager Strope called on the local residents to support each other in the wake of the tragedy.
“Being in a small town and seeing the community come together is what makes being here in a time like this bearable, Strope said, per KFDA. “You know, we have seen a great outpouring of support on social media of those saying, ‘Hey, we’re there for you. We feel for you. We can’t imagine what you’re going through.'”
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