Cedarville Middle School Student Dies

A Van Buren student who tested positive for swine flu died over the weekend at Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Kristen Armer was a 7th grader atCedarville Middle School who was wheelchair bound due to a neurological disease called Transverse Myelitis.

Despite health problems, her teacher says nothing could slow Kristen down.

"She had a great sense of humor, she liked to make people laugh, and she was a speed demon in her motorized wheelchair. We would have to stop her a lot and caution her not to go so fast, said Cedarville Middle School Teacher Cassey Browning.

Teachers and administrators say they were shocked to hear about Kristen's death after she participated in the homecoming pep rally just last Thursday.

"Kristen would never let anybody know. She was so stubborn and was driven about what she wanted to do, no one would know," said Browning.

But something was wrong. On Thursday night Kristen went to the hospital. Two days later, she passed away. Now teachers are remembering the girl so full of life.

"She allowed me to make a sign and put on the back of her wheelchair caution speed demon, she really liked that sign," said Browning.

Tuesday morning grief counselors will be at Cedarville Middle School to talk to students.
"She was just a light for everybody," said Browning.

A memorial fund is open at Citizens Bank in Van Buren to help the family pay for funeral expenses. Read more atarkansasmatters.com.

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