9-year-old boy dies after being crushed by motorized room partition at Virginia school

Officials say a 9-year-old boy has died in Fairfax County after he was crushed by a motorized room partition at Franconia Elementary School on Friday.

Fairfax County police say Wesley Lipicky was seriously injured on Friday afternoon while at the school in Alexandria in the School Age Child Care (SACC) program.

According to police, a teacher and Wesley both simultaneously pressed a button to open the large, motorized room partition that splits in the middle.

According to officials, the boy became caught between the partition and a wall and suffered traumatic head injuries. They say he was pronounced dead at the hospital Friday night.

Investigators say an autopsy from Saturday found his death to be accidental. They say no charges are expected in this tragic case.

In a letter, Franconia Elementary Principal Terri Edmunds-Heard said she was deeply saddened by Wesley's death. "He was an endearing child whose bright smile and enthusiasm for school inspired the love of all who knew him."

Edmunds-Heard said there will be a team of staff at Franconia to support students, staff, and parents in the days ahead. "The team will help our classroom teachers talk with students and handle their questions and reactions."

She also added that the school will be working with police in their investigation.

The full letter: 


Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand also released a statement: