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This was horrible. The audios of the 911 calls were chilling.
We were just at that school, in the same parking lot, less than a week ago for an event there. I know a staff member there, and some students. What a terrible experience for them.
That's a horrendous way to die. My heart goes out to the family. I can't imagine their anguish.
We were just at that school, in the same parking lot, less than a week ago for an event there. I know a staff member there, and some students. What a terrible experience for them.
That's a horrendous way to die. My heart goes out to the family. I can't imagine their anguish.
Student set himself ablaze, police say, burns prove fatal | The Post and Courier, Charleston SC - News, Sports, EntertainmentThe Post and Courier logo
Student set himself ablaze, police say, burns prove fatal
By David MacDougall, Andy Paras
People in the tightknit Academic Magnet High School-School of the Arts community were pulling together Thursday, coping with the trauma of a student who was engulfed in flames at the front entrance, a horrific spectacle witnessed by dozens.
Now they must deal with learning that the student has died, and that he set himself on fire in an apparent suicide.
Aaron Williams, 16, was pronounced dead at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta at 3:19 p.m. Thursday, Charleston County Deputy Coroner Brittney Martin said.
North Charleston police said earlier in the day that the student had poured an accelerant on his clothing and ignited the fire himself. The announcement confirmed what witnesses already knew and many people suspected.
Charleston County authorities released a 911 recording of the incident, which revealed that students used a fire extinguisher to douse their burning classmate as teachers then wrapped him with a blanket until authorities arrived.
School receptionist Dora Hartsell called 911 about 8:20 a.m. Wednesday and told a dispatcher that a student was on fire in front of the administration building. She then calmly gave the address of the North Charleston school.
"Did you say a child on fire," the dispatcher asked Hartsell.
Asked how the fire happened, Hartsell told the dispatcher she did not know. Hartsell initially thought the student was a female.
"A teacher has already gone outside and covered her with a blanket and students have gone out there with an extinguisher," Hartsell said. The call ends when police arrived.
Williams was rushed to Medical University Hospital and then flown to the burn unit in Augusta.
A crisis team of about 30 counselors was on the campus Wednesday and Thursday, said Lisa Herring, the district's executive director of student support services. On Thursday, the counselors went through both schools, going from class to class, speaking to all the students and teachers, encouraging them to talk about what happened and to ask for help if needed.
"Overall, they are doing very well," Herring said. Somewhere between 50 and 100 students requested counseling. School counselors were prepared to recommend additional therapy for those students who might need it, she said.
The crisis team will be on campus today also, Herring said. "And into next week if needed."
Counselors were to meet with parents at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. today, according to a note sent home to parents.
Williams was described by many as a friendly kid who was affectionately known as "Boombox" or "The Boombox Guy" because he carried a boombox with him wherever he went. His Facebook profile picture was a drawing of a boombox with the saying, "A boombox can change the world."
Many students wore white to school Thursday as the result of a late-night campaign via texting and Facebook. Many more are expected to wear red today in support of Williams.
After news of Williams' death reached school officials, the district released the following statement from Superintendent Nancy McGinley.
"Losing a child is an unspeakable tragedy. On behalf of the entire Charleston County School District, I offer my deepest condolences to the Williams family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers," McGinley wrote. "We pledge our full and continued support for the Academic Magnet and School of the Arts communities, and are here to provide them with whatever assistance they need during this incredibly difficult time."