March 20, 2008

Bret Harte sixth grader dies after headache

A sixth grader at Bret Harte Middle School died last Friday after complaining of a headache.

Twelve-year-old Jerry Huang was in his physical education class, not doing anything strenuous, when he complained of a headache, said Pam Foley, president of the San Jose Unified School District board of trustees.

The teacher gave permission for the student to go to the school health office where he collapsed and school officials called 911. He was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, but died about two hours later.

Huang reportedly was healthy and reports from the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office indicate he died of natural causes. There is no indication he died from a disease threatening public health. That office does not expect to se see test results from an autopsy for a number of weeks.

While news of Huang’s death spread through the community over the weekend, the school announced it on Monday. Grief counselors were available on that day for students and teachers.

The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, March 29 at 2:30 p.m. at the Chinese Church in Christ, 1490 Saratoga Ave.