SC 5th grader who died last week involved in ‘small scuffle,’ not attack, Senator says

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – A South Carolina state senator who represents the area where a fifth grader died after an elementary school fight last week says it was only a small scuffle.

Sen. Margie Bright Matthews said on the Senate floor Tuesday that Raniya Wright was not kicked or attacked by several students. The Democrat says the 10-year-old didn’t bang her head in the March 25 fight at Forest Hills Elementary School in Walterboro. 

Bright Matthews says Raniya kept arguing with the other girl in the principal’s office, then suddenly grabbed her head, complained of pain, threw up and lost consciousness. She died two days later at a hospital.

Bright Matthews says she has spoken to Raniya’s grandmother as well as school and law enforcement officials.