A 16-year-old Maryland high school student died early Saturday after he became ill during a school-sponsored field trip, according to Prince George’s County fire officials.
Authorities said the Bowie High School student was on a junior ROTC trip when he said he was in pain and suddenly stopped breathing. The bus pulled into a nearby gas station, and when medics arrived, they found the student, Okon Ntekim, 16, was unresponsive.
Emergency crews transported Ntekim to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The medical examiner’s office is working to determine the cause of death.
School officials said counselors will most likely be at the school on Monday, and a letter will be going home to parents. Maryland State Police is handling the investigation.
"Prince George’s County Public Schools is saddened by this tragic turn of events and send our deepest sympathy to Ntekim family," Prince George's County Public Schools said in a statement. "PGCPS will do everything it can to support the entire Bowie High School community during this difficult time."
