CNN
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A 60-year-old man died Tuesday night following a collision at a middle school basketball game in Aalborg, Vermont State Police (VST) said in a statement Wednesday.
Russell Giroux was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans, where he was pronounced dead, VST said.
“The circumstances of his death are being actively investigated,” the statement said.
Mr. Giroux’s body will be sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
According to the VST statement, Giroux was involved in a large fight involving several spectators during a 7th-8th grade boys basketball game between Alburgh and St. Albans. The albergue is located about an hour north of Burlington.
Troopers were called to the Alberg Community Learning Center around 1 p.m. By the time they arrived, the fight had ended and some participants had left the school, VST said.
“This investigation is still in its early stages and involves members of the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Field Force Unit and the Victim Services Unit,” VST added.
“State police are working with Grand Isle County State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito on this case.”
According to CNN affiliate WCAX, Grand Isle State Attorney Doug DiSabito says police are gathering video footage and information about who was there.
“I am at a loss for words in some situations. This should never happen,” DiSabito said, according to WCAX.
“So sad. And it’s because of the adults and I feel sorry for my community.
School officials released statements Wednesday expressing shock at Giroux’s death and condemning the violence.
“The Maple Run Unified School District condemns the violence that occurred during the basketball game,” the Maple Run Unified School District said in a statement Wednesday.
“We expect better from our environment. Violence and violence are completely incompatible with the behaviors we encourage and support.”
“We always seek to foster a positive learning environment for our students at school and at school events.
“The tragic events preceding Mr. Giroux’s death have caused our schools to reevaluate school programs and community involvement.”
The district said it has notified school staff of the incident and is working to support students and families, “to deal with the aftermath of the incident and Mr. Giroux’s death.”
The district urged the Education Agency and the Vermont Principals Association to consider how to respond to older audiences following incidents of misbehavior.
“The immediate goal is to remind and educate our students and families that our school culture is one of family, community and kindness,” the Grand Isle Supervisory Union said in a letter to the Alburg community on Wednesday.
“To better support students and staff at the Alberg Community Learning Center, GISU has arranged for additional support to be available throughout the day with our regional partners.”