#North Carolina teacher dies unexpectedly in classroom

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W.A. Young Elementary in North Carolina.
W.A. Young Elementary

A North Carolina elementary teacher died unexpectedly in her classroom just weeks into the new school year, officials said.

Cindy Grindstaff, 50, a fifth-grade teacher at W.A. Young Elementary, had been in the school Wednesday morning for a faculty training session, The News Herald of Morganton reported.

No students were in the classroom or being taught through Zoom at the time of her death, the outlet reported.,

The cause of death wasn’t released for the educator, who has been employed with the district since 2002, the outlet reported.

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Larry Putnam informed staff members of her death in an email.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you some sad news,” Putnam wrote.

“This morning at W.A. Young Elementary, Ms. Cindy Grindstaff, 5th-grade teacher, unexpectedly passed away in her classroom. I ask that you keep Cindy’s sister, Tracy Poole, 5th-grade teacher at Hildebran, and her family in your prayers.”

The district had voted to start the school year with remote classes that began on Aug. 17, news station WBTV reported.