A violent confrontation at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina left one student dead and another seriously wounded Tuesday morning after a stabbing during what officials described as a fight between two students. The school was immediately locked down when the campus resource officer radioed for “all hands on deck.”
According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 11:05 a.m. and discovered the aftermath of an altercation between two students — one fatally wounded, the other injured. Officials did not disclose how the stabbing occurred or what triggered the fight.
Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina, confirmed the death was caused by a stabbing. In a post on X, he described the event as “shocking and horrible,” expressed his condolences, and pledged state support.
At a press conference, Bobby Kimbrough Jr., the sheriff, appealed to the community for unity and compassion. “We need prayer right now,” he said, visibly shaken. He added that the families involved have been notified and assured the public there is no ongoing threat.
Winston‑Salem Police Department, through Chief William H. Penn Jr., condemned the circulation of graphic footage shared online from the scene. “Today is a dark day for our city… this has shaken us to our very core,” he said. He urged people to stop sharing or reacting to videos of the incident, calling such actions “insensitive.”
Leaders of the Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) — including Superintendent Don Phipps — released statements expressing heartbreak. “Today is the worst nightmare of any educator,” Phipps said. “We hurt when our students hurt… this is the ultimate hurt that we can possibly feel.” He added that violence has no place in their schools and called on the community to wrap students and staff in kindness and support.
In light of the tragedy, North Forsyth High will be closed Wednesday (Dec. 10), giving the school community space to grieve and process the event. Crisis response teams, grief counselors, and emotional support will be available to students and staff once school resumes. Meanwhile, officials continued to urge calm — reminding everyone that the investigation remains active and there is currently no known threat to the broader community.
This tragic episode shakes not only a school but an entire community, spotlighting the fragility of safety even in places meant to nurture young minds. As authorities navigate the investigation and families mourn, the call for healing and unity stands loud and clear.
