Students create cards and wear pink to honor Mason fourth-grader who died Wednesday

Mourning students created condolence cards and wore pink Thursday at a Mason school to honor a fourth-grade classmate who died unexpectedly this week.

Students and staffers somberly went about their school day at Western Row Elementary as school district officials arranged for grief counselors to be available in the wake of Sable Gibson’s death.

Gibson died Tuesday from cardiac arrest after she was stricken with the flu and strep throat.

Medical officials are still investigating all the factors surrounding her death.

The girl’s passing stunned not only her school but also the entire school system, said Tracey Carson, spokeswoman for the Warren County district.

“Our students have been making cards for the family and students will also be preparing video messages for the memorial service,” said Carson.

No announcement as to memorial or funeral arrangements were available Thursday.

Warren County health officials said the girl’s death was unique this flu season and no other child- or adult-related deaths connected to the flu have been reported in the county.

No Warren County schools have requested help from the county health department in dealing with flu or other illness outbreaks, said county health officials.

A 3-year-old child died from the flu in Highland County earlier this month and was the state’s first pediatric death from the illness this year.

MORE: Highland County child dies from flu is 1st in Ohio this winter

Carson sent a message to all Mason school parents and school staffers on Wednesday that said “Sable’s family shares that their sweet daughter was diagnosed with strep throat and influenza on Tuesday morning which lead to cardiac arrest Tuesday afternoon.

“We will have additional counselors at Western Row.”

“If you have any concerns about your child’s reactions to this loss, please contact your child’s teacher, the school counselors, or the administrative staff.

“Sable was a great friend with a big heart who loved the color pink. We invite everyone to show our love and support for Sable’s family and friends by wearing pink.”

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