Winston-Salem, N.C. — A stabbing at North Forsyth High School late Tuesday morning left one student dead and another injured, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response and a temporary lockdown of the campus.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that emergency medical services responded immediately and announced a 2 p.m. press briefing as the investigation unfolded.

According to officials, the incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m., when the School Resource Officer issued an urgent call stating he needed “all hands on deck.”

Deputies from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Winston-Salem Police Department arrived within minutes.

During an afternoon press conference, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. confirmed that one student had died as a result of injuries sustained in the altercation.

The second student was injured, though additional details about their condition have not yet been released.

Sheriff Kimbrough described the situation as “heartbreaking” and called on the community to come together in support of the school and the families impacted.

Officials reiterated that the case remains an active investigation and that further information about the individuals involved is being withheld pending notification of families and ongoing inquiries.

Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the school or surrounding community, and the campus lockdown has been lifted.

Investigators are reviewing a video circulating on social media that appears to show moments leading up to the fatal confrontation. In the footage:

• A student is seen walking down a hallway toward a restroom area.
• Multiple students gather as a conflict erupts between two individuals inside a school restroom.
• After the fight, one student exits the restroom and collapses in the hallway.
• A student is briefly seen holding a knife in the aftermath.

Authorities have urged the public to stop sharing or reacting to the graphic video out of respect for the victim, students, and their families.

Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. delivered an emotional plea during his remarks:

“I need your prayers, the principal needs your prayer, the community needs your prayer — we need prayer right now.”

Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr. condemned the spread of the video online, stating:

“Today is a dark day for our city… Events like this have shaken us to our very core.
Whoever’s sharing this video, liking this video, commenting on this video — please think about the insensitive nature of what you’re doing.”

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein released a public statement, calling the stabbing “shocking and horrible”:

“North Carolinians need to be safe wherever they are — especially in school. I have spoken with Sheriff Kimbrough to offer my support. We must never stop working toward a safer North Carolina.”

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools activated emergency protocols and directed parents to the Joel Coliseum at 2825 University Parkway for reunification. Parents were asked to bring identification for student release.

Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps issued a formal letter to the WS/FCS community:

• He confirmed one student had died and another was injured.
• He emphasized that “violence has no place at our schools.”
• He urged the community to surround students and staff “with kindness and care.”

School Closure and Staff Instructions

• North Forsyth High School will be closed Wednesday, December 10, for students.
• Staff members are directed to report to the Education Building, 4801 Bethania Station Road, and may take leave if needed.
• Counselors and crisis response teams will be on-site to provide emotional and psychological support.

Students seeking assistance may visit the Cable 2 offices at the Education Building starting at 8 a.m., accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additional resources will be available on the school’s website.

The tragic loss has deeply affected students, staff, and the broader Winston-Salem community.

Crisis counselors, grief specialists, and school support personnel will remain available as the investigation continues and students process the events.

Officials ask the public to keep the families and the North Forsyth community in their thoughts during this period of profound grief.

Further updates will be released as new information becomes available.