She seemed fine when her parents put her on the bus, but by the time she got to school, a 6-year-old from Bridgeport, Connecticut, had stopped breathing.
She later died.
According to Bridgeport Supt. Fran Rabinowitz, the child, who was severely disabled and rode in a wheelchair, took the bus to the Jettie S. Tisdale School last Monday, which Rabinowitz said is equipped with resources for special-needs students.
The child's parents said the day began like any other, according to Rabinowitz.
"They did not feel that that particular morning there was any indication that she wouldn't be with us later in the day," she explained.
But when the girl's teacher met her at the door, it became apparent something was very wrong.
"As she came into school, the teacher noticed that she was not breathing," Rabinowitz said.
Connecticut
The latest news from across the state
School staff rushed her to the nurse's office and called an ambulance.
"They tried resuscitation," Rabinowitz said. "She was then taken to the hospital and pronounced at about 9:30 in the morning."
Now the Bridgeport Police Department and school system are investigating. Although funeral services were held today, the girl's cause of death has yet to be determined.
Bridgeport police and school officials have both said their thoughts are with the child's family.
