Schools
BHHS Student Dies After Collapsing on Campus Friday
Hundreds of people attend a memorial service Sunday at the high school for Elena Natanzadeh.
A 15-year-old sophomore at collapsed on campus Friday morning and died shortly afterward.
Elena Natanzadeh, who graduated from in 2010, died of an undetermined ailment.
Administrators at the Beverly Hills Unified School District, under direction from the family, did not identify the student nor release any specific details of her death. BHUSD Superintendent Gary Woods confirmed the news Sunday morning via an email and automated phone call to BHHS families.
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“I am writing this morning to inform you that … a Beverly Hills High School student collapsed on campus Friday morning due to what appeared to be a medical condition,” Woods said on Sunday morning.
“First responders provided immediate support and the student was transported to a local hospital within minutes. Unfortunately, medical personnel were unable to revive the student. The family has asked for privacy and we ask that their wishes be respected,” he said. “Grief counselors will be available on Monday for any students, faculty or staff affected by this terrible loss. … We send our deepest condolences to the family of the student.”
More than 200 hundred people attended a memorial service Sunday afternoon on the front lawn of the BHHS campus after being notified of the remembrance via Facebook.
“Elena’s favorite color was purple, so please try to wear purple tomorrow,” suggested the Facebook post, which said it was created by eight of her friends. More than 950 people responded to the post.
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High school personnel and grief counselors were among those who attended the service, where prayers in Hebrew were read. All in attendance were invited to light a candle. Natanzadeh’s grief-stricken father asked for people to do a kind act this week in memory of his daughter.
Amidst the mourning, a woman attending the service collapsed, hitting her head on the sidewalk. Paramedics were called.
Natanzadeh’s may be the first student death at the high school, though other BHHS students have died off school grounds in the past.
“As far as I can recall, there has never been a death of a student on campus,” Board of Education member Myra Lurie told Patch.
Editor's Note: This story has been edited to remove student commentary regarding Natanzadeh’s death. The circumstances surrounding her passing remain unclear.
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