A Chicago-area school district is in mourning after a 10-year-old boy unexpectedly died from complications of a viral infection over winter break.
Johnny Towler, a fourth grade student at Grove Avenue Elementary School in northwest suburban Barrington, “passed away from a viral infection that got into his heart,” Barrington School District 220 spokeswoman Samantha Ptashkin said in a statement Tuesday.
He was pronounced dead at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge at 4:52 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of one of our students, who was very much loved by the Barrington 220 community,” Ptashkin said in a statement.
School officials said he died of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle most often caused by a viral infection.
“We have extra counselors on hand this week for any students or staff who need support and our thoughts are with the student’s family during this difficult time,” the statement continued.
Students returned to school from winter break on Tuesday, with parents expressing shock and grief upon learning the news.
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"It was shocking, very shocking, very devastating" said Katia Mando. "I started crying because I thought I would be in his mom's spot, what would I do? I have a fourth grader too."
A spokesman for the Towler family asked for privacy as they grapple with the tragedy.
