Pinelands Regional Junior High School Student Dies

LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - A Pinelands Regional Junior High School ninth-grader died on Tuesday from a medical issue, after being taken from the school to Southern Ocean County Medical Center, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

"Medical issue - nothing criminal or suspicious posing any danger to community," said spokesman Al Della Fave.

Della Fave said HIPPA regulations prevent the release of any further information. HIPPA refers to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which provides privacy and security safeguards related to the release of medical informatin.

The district sent out an alert to parents, students and staff members on Tuesday night reporting the student's death. Grief counselors are available at the school on Wednesday according to an app.com report.

District Interim Superintendent Maryann Banks declined to provide further information, citing federal HIPPA laws. Authorities said the student died of natural causes, according to the report.

The high school has made headlines recently due to air quality and asbestos issues.

Photo: Patch file photo