Tombstone Accident

ROCKFORD (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - An update on a strange but serious accident in Kent County.

A sixth grade girl is in the hospital after a large tombstone crashed down on her head. It happened Wednesday afternoon at Rockford Cemetery.

The girl was in the cemetery as part of a field trip with her English class. One of the girl's friends says they were standing next to the three-foot high stone when it just toppled over.

"The middle schooler was rushed to the hospital last night..as her fellow students came together to pray for her recovery. Even right after the incident, other students went to the flag on the top of the hill and formed a prayer circle," said North Rockford Middle School Prinicipal, Lisa Weidenfeller.

Principal Weidenfeller says the freak accident at the cemetery prompted parents, staff, and fellow classmates to reach out to the 12-year old and her family.

"They immediately put notes together, I went and talked to the students for five minutes, gave them an update and brought cards down to the hospital," said Principal Weidenfeller.

Counselors were at the school Thursday too. The visit to the cemetery an annual trip for the sixth grade class while studying a book called tuck everlasting, where the final chapter is set in a cemetery.

"They were just there as a natural setting, there as part of a writing assignment. This is one that's been done for years," said Principal Weidenfeller.

Rockford's superintendent says the district may take another look at policies concerning trips off school grounds. He and the middle school principal say the top concern right now if for the welfare of the student.

As of now the condition of the girl is not being released.