A school nurse in Webster Groves, Missouri, named Angie Birk, died after an “accidental collision” with a student, according to reports. She had only been in her new job for a month at KVC Academy – Edgewood, located in a St. Louis suburb.
KVC Missouri, where she worked, offers a range of services, including mental health care for children, family support, foster care, therapeutic education, and adventure programs. It is known for being a comprehensive provider of children’s mental health and family services in the state.
According to a report from KTVI, Angie Birk was seriously injured on March 15 and spent six days in the hospital before passing away. The incident led to an OSHA investigation, which found that she had been accidentally hit by a student who was calming down from disruptive behavior.
The Webster-Kirkwood Times reported that Birk suffered head trauma and had surgery for a brain bleed but never regained consciousness. Local police have not provided more details since the case involves a juvenile student.
Lindsey Stephenson, the president of KVC Missouri, told KTVI that the incident was “an unfortunate accidental collision between two people.” She added that KVC Missouri fully cooperated with the investigation and is “deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague.”
Although OSHA did not issue any citations to the school, they did find that employees could be at risk of workplace violence.
Birk’s sister told KTVI that she believes Angie wasn’t properly trained to work with special needs students. Angie Birk, who was 51, left behind two daughters, ages 17 and 21.
Her family told the newspaper they feel the school failed her and want them to be held accountable. They did not say whether they are considering legal action.
KVC Missouri has over 20 locations, according to its website.
