The student killed in Tuesday’s stabbing at North Forsyth High School has been identified by family members as 16-year-old Cameron Graham, a tragedy that has shaken the Winston-Salem community.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m., when the school’s Resource Officer made an urgent call requesting “all hands on deck.” Deputies with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Winston-Salem Police Department arrived on campus within minutes. The school was immediately placed on lockdown as emergency medical personnel rushed to assist the victims.
During a 2 p.m. press briefing, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. confirmed that one student had died as a result of injuries sustained in the violent altercation. Family later identified the student as Cameron Graham. A second student was injured, though officials have not yet released details regarding the severity of those injuries.
Sheriff Kimbrough described the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” urging the community to come together in support of the students, staff, and families affected. Authorities emphasized that the case remains an active and sensitive investigation, and additional information about those involved will be withheld pending further inquiries.
Investigators are reviewing a graphic video circulating on social media that appears to show moments leading up to the fatal confrontation. The footage shows students gathering near a restroom, a fight breaking out, a student collapsing, and another briefly holding a knife. Officials are pleading with the public to stop sharing the video out of respect for the victim and the families.
“Today is a dark day for our city,” said Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr., condemning online circulation of the video. “Please consider the insensitive nature of what you are doing.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called the stabbing “shocking and horrible,” adding, “We must never stop working toward a safer North Carolina.”
North Forsyth High School will be closed Wednesday, December 10, as crisis counselors, grief teams, and district support staff mobilize to help students and employees cope with the trauma. Staff are directed to report to the Education Building on Bethania Station Road, and students seeking emotional support can visit the Cable 2 offices beginning at 8 a.m. with a parent or guardian.
Parents were directed to the Joel Coliseum for reunification efforts on Tuesday, where identification was required for student release. Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps issued a letter reaffirming that “violence has no place in our schools” and urging the community to surround one another “with kindness and care.”
As investigators continue gathering evidence, interviewing students, and reviewing video footage, officials stress that there is no ongoing threat to the school or surrounding area. More information will be released as the investigation progresses.
The loss of 16-year-old Cameron Graham has left classmates, educators, and families across Forsyth County devastated. Community leaders ask the public to keep the students, staff, and the Graham family in their thoughts during this period of profound grief.
