Students Deal With Death Of Classmate

It is a sad Tuesday for students at National Road Elementary School in Zanesville.

A classmate died from injuries he sustained in a Sunday accident on State Route 83 near New Concord. The Highway Patrol says 9-year-old Cole Newton died Monday at Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

Grief counselors were on hand at National Road Elementary school for students who needed help dealing with this tragic fatal accident. In a letter to parents Principal Paul Thompson says health care professional from Genesis, Muskingum Behavioral Health, Six County Counseling and Zanesville City Schools Psychology Department were available to speak with the students.

The letter also offered tips to parents to help them support their children when dealing with death by listening and being reassuring.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Gavin Newton, Cole’s brother – who was also hurt in the accident, is a Roosevelt Middle School 6th grader. His condition was upgraded from critical to poor on Tuesday. Children’s Hospital officials say he is being held in the pediatric intensive care unit.

The two vehicle accident remains under investigation by the Zanesville Post of the State Highway Patrol.

An account to help the family through this ordeal has been set up at any Century National Bank branch. If you would like to make a donation you can by asking for the Lisa Dickenson-Newton Family Fund.