Anglican Bishop expresses support for King's College

Auckland's Anglican Bishop says its church community is doing its best to support King's College after the third student death this year.

Year 11 pupil Michael Treffers, 15, was admitted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition after the incident on the Market Rd overbridge on the Southern Motorway about 10.30pm on Sunday, the New Zealand Herald reported.

His life support was turned off yesterday.

Michael's death came a week after year 12 student James Webster, 16, died after a drinking a bottle of vodka.

William Thode, 15, died in his sleep at the boarding school in February from a rare viral heart infection.

King's College, a private decile 10 school, is part of the Anglican Diocese and today bishop, the Right Reverend Ross Bay, said he was in close contact with the school.

"A strong sense of community exists amongst the students and staff at King's. That is so vital at a time such as this when young students and families throughout the community are grappling with the inevitable questions and issues which these tragic deaths raise," he said.

"I wish to pay tribute to the headmaster, chaplains and staff for the care that is being offered to students and their families. They are talking honestly with one another and allowing space for students to grieve openly."

Bishop Bay said he asked the wider church to pray for King's College.

King's College headmaster Bradley Fenner said the school did not know what led to Michael's death.

He said he was not aware of any connection or direct link with the death of the other boys.

Michael did not appear to be having problems at school, and was quite popular, Mr Fenner said.

A Ministry of Education trauma team was working with staff to put support structures in place and identify the students who would be most affected by Michael's death.

Students were also given a letter about the matter to take home to their parents.

- NZPA