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Vinita fourth-grader dies after sudden health issue at school

Posted at 2:52 PM, Nov 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-14 19:14:06-05

VINITA, Okla. -- A Vinita fourth-grader died Monday after a health issue during gym class at Will Rogers Elementary School.

Officials said Milly Villalpando was playing basketball just before noon when she went to sit with her friends. Students realized something was wrong with the Villalpando and reported it to teachers.

Teachers called 911 and the school's principal performed CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Villalpando was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

"It was absolute shock. Not anything that you want to happen. Much less a student that you have,” said Nima Mcelhany, Villalpando's teacher.

Officials believe the girl had some type of heart issue that occurred suddenly. The cause of her death is not certain at this time.

"Everybody did exactly what they should have done. There was just no reason for it to happen. That’s why it’s so tough to take” said Kelly Grimmett, Vinita Public Schools superintendent.

A portion of funds collected during a PTO book drive at the Craig County Community Center at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday will go toward Villalpando's family.

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