by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

Claremont Police Department officers responded to an altercation at Claremont High School Tuesday, resulting in a “soft lockdown” on campus, following news of a student’s death in an early morning auto accident on Saturday, November 16.

CPD Sergeant Nick Martinez said police were called to the high school in anticipation of a fight between students, “regarding a student that passed away.”

Police have not yet released the name of the deceased CHS student.

California Highway Patrol spokesperson Rodrigo Jimenez said the accident occurred at approximately 2:19 a.m. Saturday when a big rig traveling east in the slow lane of the 210 Freeway east of Base Line Road in Upland was rear-ended by a car driven by 35-year-old Pomona resident Rome Cornell. Cornell exited the vehicle after the crash before it became engulfed in flames, Jimenez said. After fire personnel arrived and extinguished the blaze, a man and two boys were found in the car and pronounced dead.

Cornell was transported to a local hospital where at press time he was still being treated for major injuries.

“Mr. Cornell will be facing felony DUI and felony Vehicular Manslaughter charges at the very least,” Jimenez wrote in a Wednesday email. “The investigation is still ongoing, so things may change.”

The driver of the big rig did not sustain any injuries.

Claremont High Principal James Mitchell addressed the student’s death Tuesday in a post at claremontusdca.edurooms.com.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the devastating news of the passing of one of our Claremont High School students over the weekend,” Mitchell wrote. “He was a valued member of our school community, and his loss is deeply felt by students, staff, and all who knew him. Yesterday, our mental health team informed staff members of this heartbreaking news. Today, CHS counselors visited his classes to share the news with his classmates and to offer support to anyone affected by his passing. The Claremont Police Department (CPD) also kindly provided their emotional support dog, which was available to comfort both students and staff.”

Mitchell sent an email to the CHS community Tuesday shortly after the incident on campus.

“Near the end of third period, there was an altercation between two students near the central quad,” Mitchell wrote. “When staff intervened, the students involved refused to cooperate and became verbally agitated. Out of an abundance of caution, we initiated a soft lockdown during the passing period to ensure the safety of all students and staff.”

Once students began to comply with school administrators, the soft lockdown was lifted and classes resumed, Mitchell wrote.

“There was ultimately no fight. Nothing occurred,” Martinez said. “We went up and stood by while they counseled some kids about fighting.” Due to the nature of the situation, Martinez said CPD deployed their emotional support canine Pria. No arrests were made. “There was no police involvement necessary,” Martinez said.

Claremont Unified School District offers counseling services, available by searching “CHS Counseling Department” at claremonthigh.cusd.claremont.edu, or by calling (888) 515-0595.

Mitchell reminded parents about speaking with their children about the importance of school safety. “If they ever hear or see something concerning, encourage them to notify an adult on campus or use the STOPit App, available on the CHS website or they can use this link: https://appweb.stopitsolutions.com/login. The access code is CHSREPORT,” he wrote.