Newton County kindergartner dies while playing on school playground

COVINGTON, Ga. — A Newton County school is mourning the death of a kindergarten student who collapsed while playing on the school playground Monday.

The school system says the Newton County Theme School student had a medical emergency.

Newton County emergency personnel were called immediately and the student was taken to the hospital, but she died a short time later.

“Faculty and staff at the school are grieving right now and we know that some students may also have difficulty coping with this terrible tragedy,” the district said. “As a result, Newton County School System will have counselors in place at the school tomorrow and for as long as needed to provide support to anyone emotionally affected and in need of assistance.”

The student’s name is not being released out of respect for the family’s privacy.