Parent dies at Turlock High after suffering medical emergency, school district reports

A parent died Monday evening at Turlock High after suffering a medical emergency, according to the Turlock Unified School District.

Firefighters responded at 7:21 p.m. to a report of a person not breathing in a vehicle parked on Berkeley Avenue in a secured area of the high school, according to a Turlock Fire Department incident report and a department spokesman.

Firefighters from two engines and an AMR ambulance crew performed lifesaving measures for about 40 minutes with no change in the patient’s condition until calling the hospital for a time of death, Turlock Fire Capt. Jason Bernard said.

“As you may already be aware, first responders were called to THS last night for a medical emergency during an event at Turlock High School,” states a TUSD message sent to parents. “It is with deep sadness that we share that the parent of one of our students has passed.

“Our thoughts go out to this family during this difficult time. Counselors will be available for any student needing support.”

TUSD spokeswoman Marie Russell said the deceased was a Turlock High parent and declined to say more. The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office identified the parent as David Rowan, 54, of Turlock.

Commenters on TurlockCityNews.com’s Facebook post about the incident state there was a concert in the boys gym with students from Turlock and Pitman high schools, as well as Dutcher Middle and Turlock Junior High schools performing. Commenters also said there was an athletic contest on the campus.

One commenter said he was “Sending love and prayers to his Family” and the man was “a good coach, dad, husband and friend.”