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Charleroi High School Principal Passes Away

CHARLEROI (KDKA) -- The principal of Charleroi High School has died.

Principal Vince Vitori, 43, collapsed and died at the school while meeting with a student. The school was put on lockdown while they tried to revive him.

Students are taking the news hard. They described him as loving and caring.

"It hurts like in my chest," a student said. "My heart's broken a little bit because he's dead."

Students shared their grief through text messages and Facebook.

"So the seniors graduate in exactly 20 days and it will be extremely hard for them knowing Mr. Vitori won't be there ... you were a great [principal]! Stay strong seniors," one student wrote in a Facebook post.

"It's kind of one of those things that just doesn't hit you until a little while later when you don't realize he's not in the halls with you every day anymore," another student told KDKA-TV.

"We've lost a great educational leader who meant a lot to the kids," Superintendent Dr. Brad Ferko said.

The school will be closed on Monday for Vitori's funeral. He leaves behind a wife and a stepdaughter. They live in Elizabeth.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

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