Middle School Students in Studio City Hospitalized After Ingesting Possible Banned Substance

STUDIO CITY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Seventeen students at Walter Reed Middle School in Studio City, Los Angeles, required medical evaluation after possibly consuming a banned substance, according to local authorities. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the incident around 11 a.m. on Thursday, where they treated the affected students.

Fire officials reported that two of the students were transported to a hospital for further care, while the remaining fifteen were released to their parents. Authorities confirmed that all students involved are expected to make a full recovery.

The precise nature of the substance remains unclear, although reports indicate it appeared similar to candy. “There was no evidence of any significant fentanyl type drugs,” stated Los Angeles City Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott. “What were described as gummy bears were ingested. That’s still being evaluated and is part of an active investigation, but the signs and symptoms were lethargy, increased heart rate, and some anxiety-type symptoms, so nothing that was life-threatening at that point,” he said.

One parent, Daisy Samayoa, expressed frustration and concern over the incident, noting this was the second occurrence at the school, and she had not been notified by the authorities. “I found out when my son called me and told me about it,” Samayoa stated, adding that she rushed to the school to pick up her child.

The Los Angeles Unified School District spokesperson commented in a statement to Eyewitness News, “The safety of our students and staff remains my top priority. Today, we became aware that a group of students may have consumed a banned substance. Emergency personnel were contacted, and students received medical attention. The parents of the affected students have been notified.”

The school, along with the Los Angeles School Police Department, is currently investigating the incident and is collaborating with local health partners. Authorities are urging parents to discuss substance abuse and the potential risks of controlled substances with their children. “We trust our kids…but sometimes you never know what may have been given to them by a fellow student,” Allen Chavez with L.A. School Police cautioned, encouraging vigilance over items children bring home from school.

In a related incident, authorities also addressed a medical emergency at 52nd Street Elementary School in South Los Angeles on the same day. Two students reportedly experienced overdose symptoms, though their conditions remain undisclosed. A LAUSD spokesperson noted, “Today, we became aware of two students who may have consumed a nontoxic substance. Emergency personnel were contacted, and their parents were notified. After an initial check from paramedics, one student’s parent declined medical attention.”