MITCHELLVILLE, Iowa — The Southeast Polk School District is providing counseling to students and staff of Mitchellville Elementary School after the parent of a child died Tuesday after being discovered unresponsive in a vehicle during school pick-up.

Mitchellville Police Chief Bill Daggett said the incident happened at the end of the school day as children were being picked up. A child notified a grown-up about the unresponsive man and medical help was requested, according to Mitchellville Fire Chief Mike Twohey.

Two volunteer firefighters with the Mitchellville Fire Department were already on the scene and responded by attempting life-saving measures. A FB post from the MPD thanked the firefighters, Rachel Wilimek, who was there to pick up her kids, and Amy Twohey, a reading specialist at the school.

Communications Relations Coordinator for Southeast Polk Schools, Jean Cristenson, confirmed the parent of a student died following the incident at Mitchellville Elementary. Police and fire officials were unable to release that information due to medical privacy concerns. Cristenson said there is a crisis team at the school on Wednesday to assist those grieving the loss.

Fire Chief Mike Twohey said his department has two therapy dogs in training at the school to provide comfort for students and staff.

“I would like to mention that the staff at Mitchellville Elementary jumped in and helped as much as they could as well. Students were redirected as to limit their exposure,” said Chief Twohey.