NUHS student dies at school

Asthma attack claims Nick Mueller

By KREMENA TODOROVA

NEW ULM -- Nick Mueller, 16, a senior at New Ulm High School, died after suffering a severe asthma attack, according to Superintendent Harold Remme.

Mueller suffered the attack at about 9:45 a.m. toward the end of a physical education class where the class had been running the mile. He collapsed as he was returning from the field to the school building.

Staff immediately called 911, while taking a pulse and administering CPR, Remme said. The ambulance arrived promptly and took Mueller to New Ulm Medical Center Hospital, but "he did not make it," Remme said.

The student's mother, Nancy Mueller, a 25-year veteran secretary at New Ulm Middle School, was also notified and immediately came to the scene.

Mueller's medical problem was known to staff, but he had never had an attack of similar severity before, said Remme.

The school crisis team met following the tragedy, launching the plan it has in place to address similar situations, said Remme.

The school district contacted all local schools, including non-public, the Law Enforcement Center and a local clergy association.

A student assembly was called at 1 p.m. and students were informed of what happened, Remme said.

Counselors and clergy were made available to the students, who were given the option of staying at the gym to meet with them, or returning to their classrooms.

Counselors and clergy were moving about through the building, offering support where needed, and will also be on-site tomorrow.

A staff meeting was called after school to discuss further actions.

The grieving process may be especially difficult for staff members who know the family, Remme said.

Mueller's death is the second tragedy for the high school this year. Another student, Eric James Mellingen, 14, died last February in an auto accident on Highway 68. And another student in Mueller's class died in an accident in their sixth grade year, said Remme.

Funeral services are pending with Minnesota Valley Funeral Home.