Police are looking into an incident where four students simultaneously required medical attention at East Chapel Hill High School earlier this week.

Emergency Medical Services responded to a call at the high school on Weaver Dairy Road around 1:30 Monday afternoon after four students were unconscious or fainting, according to the emergency services report.

Chapel Hill Police Lieutenant Josh Mecimore says officers were called to the scene as well.

“Four young people don’t have similar medical issues at the same time for no reason,” he says, “clearly something has caused this.

“What we’re able to identify so far is that they consumed some sort of liquid that appears to have caused this reaction that required all four of them to be transported to the ER.”

Mecimore says the students ranged in age from 14 to 18.

He adds the investigation is underway to find out what the substance was, including whether it was an illegal narcotic.

“There are certainly some natural substances out there that could cause some serious medical reaction,” Mecimore says.

On the police report released Tuesday, the incident was listed as an overdose. The report also states the students became ill after drinking an unknown substance, and the item in the incident was listed as narcotics/drugs.

Mecimore couldn’t comment on the substance in question beyond that it was a liquid.

While that investigation is being conducted, Mecimore says the health of the students was the first priority for EMS and the officers on scene.

“Down the road we’ll figure out whether there is something criminal to it, and whether there are going to be charges related to it,” he says. “But the concern immediately is their safety and then we start an investigation into figuring out what this is and why they had it.”

No update was available on the condition of the students that were being treated.

Related Stories
‹
Governor's Soccer Team Among Inductees into Chapel Hill High School Hall of Fame
Chapel Hill High School’s 1983 state champion boys’ soccer team – which featured future North Carolina governor Josh Stein on its roster – was among the inductees into the school’s Hall of Fame earlier this month. According to athletic director Matt Dixon, it was the first time the school had hosted an induction ceremony since […]
The 5:00 News: Carrboro Downtown Area Plan, State Budget, PFAS Regulations Rescinded
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear more details on the Downtown Area Plan discussion in Carrboro; State Senator Graig Meyer talks state budget; Inside Climate News Reporter Lisa Sorg discusses rescinded PFAS regulations, and more. In sports, the ACC Baseball Tournament gets underway with UNC scheduled to play on Friday, Hubert Davis joins the Team USA staff, and more.
The 5:00 News - Pedestrian Fatality in Pittsboro, Human Remains Discovered in Orange County
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn of a pedestrian struck and killed by a vehicle in Pittsboro; a dog walker in Orange County discovers human remains; Orange High School's Principal wins a statewide honor; we check the local government meeting schedule; Carolina Connection chimes in on the job market for grads, and more. In sports, the Diamond Heels close the regular season with a big series win; The Women's Tennis team falls in the final four; the Women's Lacrosse team gears up for the final four, and more.
The Morning News: Pittsboro Budget, Measles Symposium, Manning Drive Closure
Andrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck with today's news, including no tax hike for Pittsboro's budget. We hear about an upcoming public symposium on measles being hosted by Orange County; a big contribution to the Jackson Center from the United Church of Chapel Hill, an weekend closure of Manning Drive right at the Emergency Department entrance, and more. In sports, both UNC Women's Tennis and Women's Lacrosse earn NCAA final four bids, the Diamond Heels ride a complete game from Jake Knapp for a big win, and more.
Climate Thursday: Inside Climate News Reporter for North Carolina, Lisa Sorg
Inside Climate News North Carolina Reporter Lisa Sorg spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 15. She discussed the recent decision by the EPA to roll back previously updated recommendations on so-called "forever chemicals." She also discussed her recent reporting for Inside Climate News, which includes an emboldened NC General Assembly looking to cut environmental justice and clean energy jobs programs. She also discussed other recent reporting and more.
Chapel Hill: More Budget Updates, Parks Master Plan, Town Events
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 15, discussing town news and events. She talked about the latest budget conversations for the council, including what trade-offs might have to be made, and how to keep town staff compensation competitive within the region. She also talked about the Parks Master Plan and upcoming opportunities for community feedback. She also talked about upcoming town events and more.
Downed Trees Close Stretch of Fordham Boulevard in Chapel Hill Tuesday Morning
Overnight storms felled trees along a popular thoroughfare in Chapel Hill on Tuesday, leaving morning travelers to find a detour.
The 5:00 News - Hoops Legend Passes, No Third Term for Karen Stegman, Budget Talks Continue
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn of the passing of UNC Basketball legend Larry Miller at ag 79. We learn that Chapel Hill Town Council Member Karen Stegmen will not be seeking reelection in the fall. We check in on budget conversation with our area elected boards, with a summary of the Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro proposals, and more. In sports, UNC Softball makes the NCAA tournament, several teams continue post-season play, and more.
On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor
The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, May 12. He discussed recent projects, activities, and trends on social media. They discussed the the 97.9 The Hill T-shirt design contest, with the submission round wrapping up over the weekend. They also talked about the current "Teachers Rock" promotion, with song dedications and special messages going out to teachers in our community all week long. Henry also mention other social media trends and more.
Karen Stegman Not Seeking Re-Election, Will Leave Chapel Hill Council After 2 Terms
Chapel Hill Town Council Member Karen Stegman shared in her newsletter Monday morning she is planning to finish her town council term in December, but will not file to run for re-election.
›