The Winston-Salem community is in mourning following the deadly stabbing of 16-year-old Cameron Graham at North Forsyth High School on Tuesday. The tragedy has left students, staff, and families grappling with grief and shock.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m., when the school’s Resource Officer called for immediate assistance. Deputies from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and Winston-Salem Police responded within minutes. The campus was placed on lockdown as emergency personnel rushed to attend to the victims.
During a 2 p.m. press briefing, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. confirmed that one student had died from injuries sustained in the violent altercation. Family members later identified the student as Cameron Graham. A second student was injured, though authorities have not yet released information regarding the severity of their condition.
Sheriff Kimbrough described the event as “heartbreaking,” urging the community to come together in support of students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and sensitive, with details about those involved withheld pending further inquiries.
Investigators are reviewing a graphic video circulating on social media that appears to show moments leading up to the stabbing. The footage depicts students gathering near a restroom, a fight breaking out, a student collapsing, and another briefly holding a knife. Officials have called for the public to stop sharing the video out of respect for the victim and his family.
“Today is a dark day for our city,” said Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr., condemning the circulation of the footage. “Please consider the insensitive nature of what you are doing.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein described the incident as “shocking and horrible,” adding, “We must never stop working toward a safer North Carolina.”
In response, North Forsyth High School will remain closed Wednesday, December 10, as crisis counselors, grief support teams, and district staff assist students and employees. Parents were directed to Joel Coliseum for student reunification, where identification was required for release. Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps reiterated that “violence has no place in our schools” and encouraged the community to support one another with “kindness and care.”
Authorities stress that there is no ongoing threat to the school or surrounding area. Investigators continue to gather evidence, interview students, and review video footage as the case develops.
The loss of Cameron Graham has left a lasting impact on the Forsyth County community. Leaders are urging the public to keep students, staff, and the Graham family in their thoughts during this difficult time.