Sixteen-year-old Cameron Graham died after being stabbed during a bathroom altercation with an 18-year-old classmate at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, N.C. Officials say the fight began after an argument over a THC vape pen and that the older student gained control of a knife and inflicted a fatal wound. Prosecutors concluded the death appeared accidental and announced no charges, while Graham's family plans to seek legal counsel and has launched a GoFundMe. The incident has raised questions about weapons and student safety on campus.
16-Year-Old Cameron Graham Fatally Stabbed in High School Bathroom Fight Over THC Pen; Prosecutors Decline Charges
GofundmeCameron Graham (right)
A 16-year-old student, Cameron Graham, was fatally stabbed during an altercation with an 18-year-old classmate at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Local outlets report the confrontation began after an argument about a THC vape pen and escalated into a physical struggle in a school bathroom.
According to ABC 45, Fox 8 and WFMY, both students reportedly had their hands on a knife during the struggle. Authorities say the older student obtained control of the weapon and delivered a single penetrating wound through Graham's sternum into his heart, causing fatal injuries. First responders and school staff attempted life-saving measures, but Graham did not survive.
Officials' Account
Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill said investigators found no evidence the killing was anything other than accidental. At a Thursday press conference O'Neill described the two teens as friends who knew one another well and said the 18-year-old was distraught upon learning Graham had died.
"There’s not a shred of evidence to suggest that this was anything more than an accident," O'Neill said, announcing that prosecutors would not file charges against the surviving student.
Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough similarly described finding the surviving student "crying and wailing" at the scene and said the older teen attempted to render aid by packing the wound and applying pressure until emergency personnel arrived.
Family Reaction And Legal Steps
Graham's family disputes the decision not to charge and has said it will seek legal counsel to review the investigation. Graham's aunt, Charlita Summers, described him to WXII as a "good boy" who loved sports and was a light in his community.
The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover expenses and to honor Cameron's memory. The fundraiser describes him as "very smart, outgoing, loving, funny, and caring" and notes he was beloved by family, friends, teachers and classmates.
Context And Ongoing Questions
Local reports indicate Graham had brought a knife to school the day of the incident. School administrators, law enforcement and the district attorney's office investigated the events at the school; the DA has characterized the death as an apparent accident, while the family continues to pursue legal review. The case has renewed debate about student safety, weapons in schools and how such incidents are handled by prosecutors.
Location: North Forsyth High School, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Sources: ABC 45, Fox 8, WFMY, WXII, Forsyth County District Attorney's Office, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.
