String of student deaths in Prince George - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A string of student deaths has rocked Prince George county. The sudden and unexpected loss of three students in as many months is being called unusual, unbelievable, and unfortunate.

In July, 10-year-old Grayson Austin, an elementary school student, died during a tubing accident.

In September, 17-year-old Marvin Massenburg, a high student passed away. He was driving to school when his car plunged into the Blackwater Swamp.

Most recently, 12-year-old Clacy Sullivan, a middle school student, suffered a similar fate. His body was pulled from a quarry pond Wednesday night.

Sullivan was playing with friends when he fell into the water and never resurfaced.

"We've pulled together each and every time to support staff, students and the community has been great," said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bobby Browder.

The school district says it can't recall such a series of student deaths.

"All of these will be a major loss to the school district because these students are aspiring to move forward academically and whatever dreams they had in life," Browder added.

Three lives gone - the healing process is ongoing.

"Students have been increasingly talking about the loss.  We have to demonstrate it so we can shed some of the emotion," Browder explained.

Grief counselors are on hand to help students.

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