PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (April 7, 2014) – A Plainfield middle school student fell 15 stories to his death in Florida over the weekend.
Thirteen-year-old Zachary Dickman and this grandmother were checking out of a condo Saturday morning when the boy realized he’d forgotten his phone. He went upstairs to get it but didn’t return for several minutes.
When he didn’t come back, his grandmother discovered he’d fallen from a 15th-floor balcony. He had been visiting Florida with family. Plainfield school officials said Dickman was a seventh-grade honor roll student at Plainfield Community Middle School. He was also in the band.
Counselors were being made available for students throughout the day Monday.
The school district released the following statement:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our students, Zachary Dickman, who died while in Florida over spring break. Zach was in 7th grade at Plainfield Community Middle School. He was an honor roll student, well-liked and extremely bright. He was also active in the Plainfield Community Middle School band.
The loss of Zach is a sobering tragedy for our school community. Staff and students have been informed of this loss. Counselors are available to students and staff for assistance in answering any questions and coping with their grief.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Zach’s family. We will provide information about memorial services and funeral arrangements once available. Thank you for your concern at this difficult time.
