On Friday, November 17, 2023, a nine-year-old fourth grader at Centennial Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona, tragically lost her life when a large metal gate collapsed onto her.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department disclosed that the fatal accident occurred at approximately 2:20 pm. The young student, known as “Arlette,” was closing the gate when the incident happened.

Emergency responders, including deputies and paramedics from the Northwest Fire Department, were dispatched promptly to the site. Upon arrival, they initiated emergency life-saving procedures. Arlette was then taken to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Authorities from the sheriff’s department are actively investigating the sequence of events that led to the gate’s disconnection from its supports.

The news of the tragedy was communicated to students and their families by the Flowing Wells Unified School District, which governs Centennial Elementary. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Stoltzfus remarked, “This is a truly devastating time for our community,” announcing the provision of additional counselors at the school to assist students in processing the loss.

Dr. Stoltzfus, in his final comments, emphasized the community’s collective mourning and the importance of mutual support in these challenging times.

In light of the incident, the school has decided to offer leniency regarding attendance for grieving students, acknowledging the profound emotional toll of the event.

A spontaneous memorial began to emerge outside the school by Saturday. Community members gathered to pay their respects, leaving balloons, flowers, and stuffed animals in memory of Arlette.