Winston-Salem, N.C. — The Winston-Salem community is grieving after a tragic stabbing at North Forsyth High School on Tuesday claimed the life of 16-year-old Cameron Graham. Family members identified Graham hours after authorities announced that one student had died in what has become one of the most devastating school incidents the area has seen in recent years. The news spread quickly across the city, leaving parents, students, and school staff heartbroken and searching for answers.
The violence unfolded shortly after 11 a.m., when the school’s Resource Officer issued an urgent call requesting immediate backup. Deputies with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Winston-Salem Police Department rushed to the campus, arriving within minutes. The school was immediately placed on lockdown as medical teams hurried to treat the wounded. During a 2 p.m. briefing, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. confirmed that one student had died from stab wounds and another had been injured. Officials have not yet provided updates on the second student’s condition.
Sheriff Kimbrough described the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” urging the community to support the young people and families affected. He emphasized that the investigation remains active and sensitive, adding that the identities of those involved and additional details would not be released until detectives complete further interviews and evidence collection. The sheriff acknowledged the emotional toll on students and staff, describing the incident as a “dark day” for Winston-Salem.
Part of the investigation includes a graphic video circulating on social media that appears to show the moments surrounding the confrontation. The footage shows students gathered near a restroom, a fight breaking out, and a student collapsing, with another briefly holding a knife. Authorities are urging the public to stop sharing the video, calling it traumatic and deeply disrespectful to the victims. Winston-Salem Police Chief William H. Penn Jr. strongly condemned the video’s distribution, asking people to consider the harm caused by spreading such sensitive material.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called the stabbing “shocking and horrible,” stressing the urgency of continuing efforts to make schools safer. In response to the tragedy, North Forsyth High School will be closed on Wednesday, December 10. Crisis counselors, grief teams, and district support staff will be available to assist students and employees. Staff are directed to report to the Education Building on Bethania Station Road, and students seeking 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 Tuesday afternoon, where identification was required for release. Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps issued a statement reaffirming that violence has no place in schools and encouraging the community to surround one another with compassion. As investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses, authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the school. More information will be released as the investigation progresses.
