Three students arrive at CMHS via school bus, Dec. 7, suffering from drug overdose
Three Chiefland Middle/High School Students, one age 16 and two age 15, ingested a near fatal overdose of drugs before school on December 7, 2023. All three students began suffering symptoms of the overdose as they arrived at school via a school bus and were immediately taken to the on-campus Medical Building. All three students are assigned to the Focus program, and as a result, do not have interaction with mainstream students, which lessened the chances of others being exposed to the unknown drug or substance that caused the students' overdoses.
School Resource Deputy John Gulledge and emergency medical services were informed about the students' conditions and responded to the Medical Building, where the students had been taken. Deputy Gulledge administered Narcan (a drug that reverses the effects of narcotics), which revived one child, and paramedics administered Narcan to a second student. All three students were transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical evaluation and care.
Levy County School officials contacted the parents of the students and informed them as to what had happened, and checked into the well-being and safety of students in the areas where the affected students had been. Medical personnel checked the students present in those areas, and none exhibited symptoms of exposure or reported any problem.
This investigation is ongoing by both the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and officials with the Levy County School District.
All three students are expected to make a full recovery, but could be subject to criminal charges and/or discipline sanctions by the school board.