Arbor Hill Elementary School in Albany.

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

An Albany elementary school is mourning the death of a young student who died after an accident at home reportedly linked to a dangerous TikTok challenge.

The incident occurred Saturday night, Nov. 8, and involved a student from Arbor Hill Elementary School, Principal Rosalind Gaines-Harrell said in a message to families.

She called the loss “profoundly sad” and warned parents about the serious risks tied to viral online challenges, which are often promoted as harmless entertainment.

District officials said the accident appeared to be connected to a TikTok trend, though no additional details were immediately released.

Arbor Hill’s Crisis Response Team — made up of counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals — will be available throughout the week to support students, staff, and families. Therapy dogs and other comfort resources will also be on hand for anyone struggling with the news, officials said.

Gaines-Harrell urged families to speak openly with children about online trends and the dangers they may pose. She encouraged parents to monitor social media use, set limits when needed, and remind kids to seek help from a trusted adult if they encounter concerning content.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our school community,” she said.

The district is also sharing grief-support resources and offering free telehealth counseling. You can find links on the district's website.