Girl, 13, drops dead at school

Shortly after midday, during a break in physical education classes yesterday, the Form Two student at Diego Martin Junior Secondary School, Kurnica Olivia Joseph, complained of chest pains and then collapsed on the school compound. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.

Onika Joseph, the girl’s mother, was hospitalised as a result of high blood pressure after learning of her daughter’s death. The dead girl’s aunt, Dericka Joseph, said the family was trying to come to terms with the death.

"We were speaking to Olivia (the girl’s nickname) up to the night before and she had no complaint. So when I heard she was dead, it took some time to register, and even after being told several times, I still cannot accept it. This death has come as a total shock," the aunt said.

Other relatives told Newsday that the teenager had complained to her mother about chest pains more than a week ago. The mother then promised to take her daughter to a doctor at the end of the month.

Newsday was prevented from speaking to principal Clayton Patrick by school security.

However, another school source said, "Kurnica, dressed in her blue PE jersey and school skirt, was playing on the field when it began to rain. Kurnica decided to shelter at the side of the building like the other children, when she started complaining of chest pains, then collapsed.

"The teachers around felt for her pulse, got none and administered CPR. She did not respond.

"Kurnica was carried inside where again CPR was administered but no response. She was eventually rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital by the Emergency Health Services ambulance where she was pronounced dead."

In response, Education Minister Hazel Manning extended her condolences to teachers and students of the school, and to the family of the deceased. She assured members of the school that representatives of the ministry will be visiting today for counselling sessions with students and staff.

The ministry also noted that with physical education now an integral part of the school curriculum, it is moving to ensure all students are medially examined and certified prior to participating in physical activities.

An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Joseph this morning.