WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A violent altercation at a Winston-Salem high school Tuesday turned deadly, claiming the life of a 16-year-old student as officials plead with the public to stop sharing a graphic video of the incident.
What Happened
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office says the stabbing occurred at North Forsyth High School shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday.
The school’s resource officer made an urgent call for assistance, prompting an immediate “all hands on deck” response from the Sheriff’s Office and Winston-Salem Police Department. The campus was placed on lockdown.
Victims Identified
During an afternoon press briefing, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. confirmed one student died from injuries sustained in the fight. Family members have identified the victim as 16-year-old Cameron Graham.
A second student was injured and transported for medical care. The severity of that student’s injuries has not been released.
Graphic Video Circulates, Officials Plead for Respect
Authorities confirmed they are aware of and reviewing a graphic video circulating on social media that appears to show moments of the fatal confrontation near a school restroom.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Sheriff Kimbrough. “We are urging everyone, especially our students, to stop sharing this video out of respect for the victim, the families, and everyone traumatized by this event.”
Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr. echoed the sentiment, calling Tuesday “a dark day for our city” and condemning the video’s circulation as “insensitive.”
School Closed, Support Offered
North Forsyth High School will be closed Wednesday, December 10, as crisis counselors and grief support teams mobilize to help students and staff.
Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps issued a statement calling the violence “horrific” and affirming that “violence has no place in our schools.”
Law enforcement says there is no ongoing threat to the school or community. The investigation remains active.