A high school senior in Oregon died at a hospital after falling out of his wheelchair at school, district officials said.
Gabriel Owens, 17, died Tuesday after falling at Century High School in Hillsboro, where he was enrolled in the district’s Life Skills special needs program, according to an email sent to parents by the school’s principal.
“Gabe was a very special person who was well-known and liked by our students and staff,” Principal Martha Guise wrote. “We are all grieving his loss and will need to support one another through this difficult time.”
District spokeswoman Beth Graser told The Post that the teen was participating in an adaptive physical education class with other Life Skills students at the time of the fall. It’s unclear how many other students and teachers were in the gym with him at the time, she said.
Graser was also unaware of what subsequent medical issue Owens had experienced, but said he later died at a hospital, she told the Hillsboro Tribune.
Counselors were made available to students on Wednesday.
“Our primary concern is the health, well-being and safety of our students,” Guise’s email continued. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Gabe’s family and friends.”
District officials, meanwhile, said in a separate message sent directly to students that they may be limited as to what information they can release about the incident.
“Some of you may not have known Gabe very well and may not be as affected, while others may experience a great deal of shock, sadness, anxiety and anger,” the message read. “Some of you may find you’re having difficulty concentrating on your schoolwork, and others may find that diving into your work is a good distraction. We have counselors in our building today to help anyone who needs support.”
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