A 17-year-old died after an altercation with staff members at a Philadelphia school geared toward students with behavioral challenges and disabilities.
The yet-to-be-identified teen died Thursday night around 9 after becoming unresponsive on the 4th floor after the incident inside Wordsworth Academy along Ford Road in Wynnefield Heights, according to authorities. The school houses some students.
Philadelphia Police refused immediate comment but sources close to the investigation told NBC10 that the student -- who had a iPod that didn't belong to him -- began fighting with staff and became unresponsive as workers restrained him.
Medical staff and school staff were in the room as staffers administered first aid and called for Philadelphia medics, said sources.
At no point was the student left alone while unresponsive, said sources.
"Although we are shocked and saddened by this event, it is an ongoing investigation, and we are unable to comment further at this time," said Wordsworth spokeswoman Debbie Albert.
NBC10 has a crew on the scene of the school, which dates back to 1952, in an attempt to gather more information.
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"The mission of Wordsworth is to provide education, behavioral health and child welfare services to children and youth who are experiencing emotional, behavioral and academic challenges so that they are empowered to reach their potential and lead productive, fulfilling lives," says a message on the school's website.
