A 17-year-old Canberra high-school student has died after a tragic accident during a lesson at Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve on Thursday morning.
Emergency services and park rangers responded about 11:30am yesterday and closed the southern entrance to the Mount Ainslie trail.
The accident involved a Year 10 boy from Campbell High School, who received head injuries and was taken to Canberra Hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear.
Staff and students in the class and at the school are deeply traumatised.
The ACT Education Directorate confirmed "an accident occurred during class today on Mount Ainslie where one of our students was injured".
ACT Policing are investigating the incident and liaising with the directorate.
Education Minister Yvette Berry said she was "deeply saddened" by the news and urged the community to be sensitive to the family and friends of the student.
"There has been a terrible accident and a young man has lost his life as a result," she told ABC Radio Canberra.
"The directorate met with students and teachers yesterday to ensure they're getting all the support they need. I myself attempted to get in touch with the family yesterday but understandably they have a lot to come to terms with."
Given privacy concerns and the ongoing police investigation, Ms Berry would not discuss details of the accident.
She said the school community had been notified and counselling and support was available to students, staff and their families.
Opposition Leader Alistair Coe and Opposition education spokesperson Elizabeth Lee released a joint statement saying their prayers were with the student's family.
"The Campbell High School community deserves all the support that the Canberra community can offer," they said.
