District 214 student 'likely' died from COVID-19, superintendent says
Human coronavirus causes respiratory infections and gastroenteritis. Image produced using high-dynamic-range imaging (HDRI) from an image taken with transmission electron microscopy. Viral diameter around 80-160 nm. (Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - A northwest suburban high school student in District 214 has died, likely of COVID-19, and at least one other student is in the ICU due to the virus, Superintendent David Schuler announced Saturday.
In a letter distributed to parents through the district's website, Schuler said the student died this week.
"It is my unfortunate responsibility to inform you of the passing of one of our students this week, likely due to complications related to COVID-19," Schuler said in the statement.
The school the student attended was not disclosed in the statement.
District 214 is based in northwest suburban Arlington Heights and covers several schools including Buffalo Grove High School, John Hersey High School, Elk Grove High School and Rolling Meadows High School.
“While we may be seeing a plateau in confirmed cases and deaths related to COVID-19 in Illinois, this is a dark week in District 214 that leaves me with an incredibly heavy heart,” the statement continues.
"We will continue to move forward to see the sunrise again one day; however, this week in our District is marked by pain and sadness. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with these families and all members of our District’s school community during this global pandemic."
Illinois surpassed 29,000 cases on Saturday after 125 new deaths were announced.