East Cary Middle School accident causes serious head injury

An East Cary Middle School School student suffered a “major head injury” after what school officials described as a “terrible accident” that took place Monday afternoon on campus.

A student was pushed shortly before dismissal Monday and inadvertently collided with Riley Shields, 12, a seventh-grade student, according to a statement from Kerry Chisnall, East Cary’s principal. Chisnall said that as Riley fell, he hit his head on a table.

“This horrible and unexpected accident resulted in Riley undergoing surgery for his injuries,” Chisnall said in a message that was sent to the school’s families.

Riley was listed in good condition Thursday afternoon at WakeMed, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Chisnall said the school community is saddened by the accident and East Cary’s staff has reached out to the Shields family.

Chisnall told parents they had taken all necessary actions to make sure a complete investigation occurred as well as ensuring and reiterating safety procedures for students and staff. But citing student privacy reasons, Lisa Luten, a Wake County schools spokeswoman, said the district could not comment on whether any disciplinary action was taken as a result of the “horse play.”

She said that Riley’s family had given Chisnall permission to share details about the accident.

This story was originally published April 30, 2015 at 5:05 PM with the headline "East Cary Middle School accident causes serious head injury."