Community Corner

Ferndale High School Student Dies During Track Practice

Grief counselors will be at the school Friday to support staff and students.

The Ferndale High School community is mourning the loss of a student who died Thursday during track practice at the school.

Mario Campbell, 16, was a junior and member of the track team, according to a statement from Ferndale Public Schools.

Grief counselors will be at the high school on Friday to support staff and students. The district’s counseling and social work staff were also asked to start their day at FHS.

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Campbell collapsed at school following a training practice with the track team, according to the district.

"We appreciate the strong support we’ve already received from our school family to help each other and our student’s family and friends through this sad time," Lisa Williams, principal at Ferndale High School, said in the statement.

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Mario was a wonderful student, enthusiastic learner, team player and dedicated friend," she said. "He always had a smile on his face and a good word to share. We will cherish his memory forever."

FHS Athletic Director Shaun Butler said Campbell was a "hard working, dedicated and determined student athlete."

"He made dramatic improvements in his 400 time last year, and had set his goal to be the top hurdler this season," Butler said in the statement. "Mario was quiet, positive, well liked and respected. We will really miss him."


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