Rome City Schools is reeling after the death of 16-year-old Qor'Darius McClure, a Rome High School student who died on July 6. His passing marks the second student death the district has reported during summer break, following the earlier loss of 14-year-old Tyler Brown. District leaders say they are focusing on support for students and families as staff prepare for the new school year.
District statement and support
The district acknowledged McClure’s death in a message posted on its official Facebook page, offering condolences and noting that trained staff would be ready to help students when classes resume, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The post expressed sympathy for McClure’s family, friends and everyone affected, and said counselors would be available to support students. Officials did not share additional details about the circumstances of his death in that statement.
Police reporting and investigation
Local coverage reported that Atlanta police found McClure’s body several days after a July 4 shooting, and that Rome police had previously been searching for him on an active warrant connected to an April drive-by, according to WSB-TV. That earlier drive-by near Banty Jones Park injured a 6-year-old and led to multiple suspects being identified, Atlanta News First reported. Rome police recalled the warrants following confirmation of McClure’s death.
Earlier this month: another loss
McClure’s death follows the loss of 14-year-old Tyler Brown, a rising ninth-grader at Rome High School whose passing the district announced earlier in July. His memorial service was held on July 10, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. At that time, school officials said counselors and trained staff would be on hand across the district when students return, a message that has taken on even greater weight after a second student death. Families and classmates across Rome have been left grieving and bracing for a difficult start to the school year.
Investigations and how to help
Rome police say the investigations into the April shooting and related incidents remain active and have asked anyone with information to contact the department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (706) 238-5111, per Atlanta News First. WSB-TV also reported that anyone with tips about McClure’s killing is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477. Authorities have asked the public to respect the families’ privacy while detectives continue to gather information.
