Glendale Unified confirms death of student

Glendale Unified officials now say that it was a male student who fell to his death at Crescenta Valley High School today in full view of dozens of students, who were evacuated off the campus shortly after fourth period.

Students and school sources initially reported that the student was female.

The district posted a statement on its website, saying officials were “saddened to report that an isolated fatal fall occurred this afternoon at Crescenta Valley High School.”

“Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. Our first concern is for the well-being of all of our students,” Glendale Unified Supt. Dick Sheehan said in the statement. “Together with our supportive community, we will help our students get through this.”

Glendale Unified officials have so far declined to comment on how the fall happened, saying only that crisis managers and grief counselors had been sent to the campus.

The fall reportedly took place near the administration building on a concrete plaza area. Students converged on the scene and crowded a walkway above the area when it happened, students said.

Hundreds of students, some of them visibly shaken, were waiting on the sports field as parents came to pick them up.

“It’s pretty shocking,” said Jeff Choi, 16.

The evacuation comes one day after authorities staged a drunk driving accident at the campus to warn students against the dangers of getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

-- Jason Wells, Megan O’Neil and Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Twitter: @JasonBretWells