WESTON, W.Va. — An investigation continues after five freshmen students at Lewis County High School were taken to the hospital Monday after an apparent drug overdose. The five students were exhibiting odd behavior and eventually one actually lost consciousness while the others became lethargic according to Chris Derico, Central Office Administrator for Lewis County Schools.
“A student brought some prescription medicine to the high school and distributed to other students. It was not the student’s prescription, but the source was in their home,” Derico told MetroNews.
The incident happened rapidly and as school officials were attempting to handle the situation, social media lit up with pictures of ambulances lined up outside the building.
“As you would imagine social media took off even before we could get a press release out. There was panic and with social media false rumors started,” he said.
By the end of the school day a robo-call with accurate information went out to parents in the school system.
According to Derico, four of the five students were kept overnight for observation at Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lewis County. However, he added they were aware other students had taken some of the medicine but showed no symptoms.
The investigation into the matter continues and in the meantime, Derico said the time has come for another reminder about poor choices.
“It’s hard to believe anybody would do that, but you put 650 teenagers in the same building whether it’s peer pressure or just wanting to look like someone else, you lose your mind when you get with peers and don’t always make wise decisions.” he said.