A tragic incident unfolded at a high school in Forsyth County, North Carolina, where a student lost their life following a confrontation with another student. Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. called for community solidarity and prayers for the grieving families, describing the event as “another sad day.”

During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Kimbrough recounted that the school resource officer at North Forsyth High School issued an urgent call for assistance shortly after 11 a.m.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that an altercation had occurred between two students.

“This altercation resulted in the loss of a young life,” Kimbrough stated. “The families involved have been informed, and I assure you that there is no ongoing threat to the community.”

Following the student’s death at North Forsyth High, law enforcement and school officials made heartfelt appeals for community unity and support in this difficult time.

Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn Jr. said, “It’s a dark day for our city,” adding that the violence at the school “has shaken us to our very core.” He said his department is serving as an assisting agency in the investigation and is committed to helping identify exactly what happened.

Penn urged residents not to share videos or images from the incident online, saying it is “not the time to clout chase,” and warned that doing so is insensitive to the students and families affected.

He said the city, school staff and students at North Forsyth High School will need community support in the days ahead and asked residents to come together to “put an end to senseless violence.”

Investigators on scene after a student was killed in a fight at North Forsyth High in North Carolina. (Credit: WGHP)

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Don Phipps said his thoughts and prayers are with the students, staff and families impacted by the fatal altercation.

He thanked law enforcement and medical first responders for their quick response and praised school faculty and staff for acting swiftly during the emergency.

Phipps said, “Today is the worst nightmare of any educator” and that the district is hurting “when our students hurt.”

Police did not release the identities of the students involved in the fatal fight. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

He announced that North Forsyth High School would be closed for students on Wednesday and said crisis teams will be available for faculty and staff, with services extended to students once they return. The superintendent also encouraged parents and guardians to use the school’s website for resources if immediate needs arise.

Kimbrough said he would not answer questions or provide further details about what led to the altercation, citing the ongoing investigation. He emphasized that authorities are still gathering information and said releasing specifics too early could compromise the case.

“I know there’s a lot of questions that you probably have, but it’s an ongoing investigation,” Kimbrough said. “I won’t be answering any questions right now. As soon as we bring closure, what I will tell you is we will push the information out to you as we’ve always been transparent.”

Kimbrough said he had just left the victim’s family and repeated that what they need most right now is prayer.

He said the governor reached out with condolences and urged the community to take time to reflect, talk with their children, and support students who witnessed the incident.

“We have some work to do in our community,” Kimbrough said.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein reacted to the stabbing on X.

“The stabbing that took place at North Forsyth High School is shocking and horrible,” he wrote. “I am praying for all students in the community and their loved ones. North Carolinians need to be safe wherever they are — especially in school. I have spoken with Sheriff Kimbrough to offer my support. We must never stop working toward a safer North Carolina.”