Springfield student drowned during swim class

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield School Department has suspended all swimming classes after a student drowned during school.

Springfield School Superintendent Daniel Warwick told 22News the 12 year old boy died during a regularly scheduled swim class at Kiley Middle School Friday afternoon. 

His name has not been released.

Students were under the supervision of a physical education instructor when the student died. 

Warwick described the boy's death as a tragic accident and said he's never had to cope with a situation like this in his many years as an administrator.

“Never in my memory i go back a long ways in the school system and like i said to the family, we just cant, words just can't describe how badly we feel about it,” Explained Warwick.

Parents were notified about the drowning through the school's phone system.

Grief counselors will be provided to students.