Tragedy struck a primary school in South Yorkshire as two pupils died within 24 hours of one another.
The children both studied at Carr Lodge Academy in the Woodfield Plantation neighbourhood of Doncaster, YorkshireLive reported.
The school opened in 2015 and teaches pupils aged from 3 to 11, offering 420 mixed sex places – in addition to a 52-place nursery.
The exact cause of the students’ deaths is not yet known, but the Academy said in a written statement that they ‘were entirely separate circumstances and wholly unrelated to the school’.
Carr Lodge Academy said they are now working with specialists, including child bereavement experts, to support pupils in processing the tragedy.
The school said in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we have been informed of the death of two of our pupils.
‘Whilst we understand that these were entirely separate circumstances and wholly unrelated to the school, the loss of two children within just a few days is both highly uncommon and heartbreaking for our school community.
‘Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the children’s families and friends as they cope with their unimaginable loss.
Two pupils at Carr Lodge Academy (pictured) in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, died within 24 hours of one another
‘We have been working closely with the local authority and multi-agencies throughout, and have access to specialist support services which include guidance from experts in child bereavement.
‘Over the coming days and weeks, staff will be supporting pupils carefully as they come to terms with this sad news.
‘Parents and carers have been kept up to date with the plans and actions we have in place.
‘Naturally, we are in close contact with the families and will continue to support them with the utmost sensitivity and respect. We hope to protect them as much as possible so they can grieve privately.
‘This is why we are not providing details publicly of the families involved, and we would ask others to be equally sensitive and refrain from speculating on social media.
‘In due course, in close collaboration with their families, we will honor the children’s memories with fitting tributes and memorials.
‘All messages of condolence are being gathered by the school and will be shared with the families at a time that feels right for them.
‘In times of such sadness, we are so grateful for the strength and compassion of our united school community, and we will continue to stand together in support of one another.’
Riana Nelson, Doncaster Council’s executive director of children, young people and families, confirmed the two deaths.
She told The Star newspaper that the children were in different year groups and that the deaths ‘were unrelated and a very sad coincidence’.
‘Given the unusual nature of this news, we immediately instigated a very thorough process with expert health colleagues to investigate any possible links between the two that could be a cause of concern,’ Ms Nelson said.
‘We did this in addition to the usual rigorous process that surrounds any child death in Doncaster. I can update that the deaths were unrelated and a very sad coincidence.
‘My heartfelt condolences are with both families who are currently navigating a path that no parent should ever have to walk.’
Carr Lodge Academy and South Yorkshire Police have been contacted for comment.
