Timberland student dies after collapse

ST. STEPHEN -- Timberland High School students are mourning the death of a 17-year-old sophomore who collapsed in class Thursday morning.

Ramontae Lamar Smalls was rushed to the Trident Medical Center in Moncks Corner where he was pronounced dead about noon, said Pam Bailey, communications director for Berkeley County schools.

The cause of death has not been determined. An autopsy was scheduled for today. Coroner Glenn Rhoad said Friday that the family has advised him that Smalls had some prior health issues; additional tests are pending.

Smalls was in electronics class when he lost consciousness. He still had some vital signs but quickly lost them, said Principal Dave Barrow. A school nurse attempted CPR on him until EMS arrived and continued attempts to revive him.

"They did everything they could," Barrow said.

Bailey said the child's parents were called to the school and were able to accompany him to the hospital with an assistant principal.

The school brought in counselors Thursday and Friday to talk with students.

"Things seem to be as normal as possible," Barrow said.

The school also sent a mass phone message Thursday night to parents notifying them of the student's death.

No details about memorial services have been released yet.

Reach Andy Paras at 937-5589 or aparas@postandcourier.com.