Pinecrest High student recovering in ICU after being stabbed by another student Friday

A student is recovering in the hospital Friday night after being stabbed multiple times by another student at a high school in Moore County.

According to officials, the incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. in the parking lot of Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines.

The victim, Avery Slatcher, was airlifted to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, where she remains in the intensive care unit.

"It has to be scary," said Mae Anderson, the great-grandmother of another Pinecrest student.

"I had to call the school to make sure she was okay," said Anderson.

Southern Pines police say fellow students risked themselves to ensure the suspect didn't harm anyone else. An effort that helped law enforcement detain the suspect until he was taken into custody.

"The suspect attempted to flee," said Moore County School Police Chief Rodney Hardy. "Students began to restrict the movements of person as he was trying to leave campus."

At a meeting Monday of the Moore County school board, Mike Metcalf, chief officer for academics and student support services told the board that a student took off his own shirt and used it to apply pressure to Slatcher's wounds.

Other students told WRAL News that Slatcher had been dating her alleged assailant.

"There [were] issues between them in a relationship, and I guess he decided to take it a different way," said student Austin Frye.

Other students on campus are emotional about the stabbing, with some even saying they heard the girl screaming.

"He just came up and then stabbed her like five times in the stomach and one time in the hand," said student Margaret Remington.

Concerned parents chimed in on social media.

"Thanking school resource officers, school office staff, and law enforcement for keeping the chaos to a minimum," said one parent.

Another parent suggested the school system introduce a curriculum helping students cope with a range of emotions.

As the injured student recovers, parents and caretakers are rattled by violence on school grounds.

Brittany Ladson said her daughter heard the victim screaming for help after being stabbed in the parking lot.

"It just makes you feel bad when you send your kids to school thinking they're going to be safe at and then these type things happen," Ladson said. "Thank God it wasn't worse and I pray that the condition of the child [is] she's ok."

The school operated on a normal schedule for the remainder of Friday.

Slatcher's family shared a statement Sunday night:

"Our family is extremely grateful for all of the support that has come from the community in so many ways. There are no words to describe the gratitude we feel, just as there are no words to describe the tragedy that has happened to our family. Our sweet girl is still recovering in the hospital at this time. She has a long road ahead of her, but she is strong; she’s a fighter. I know it sounds cliche, but Avery truly is one of the kindest, best people I know. She is thoughtful, genuine, and loving. It’s so hard to see her struggling, scared, and in pain. Please gently remind your children that may see them in the schools that Avery’s siblings are also suffering from this horrific event. One of her sisters had to witness this happen. It will take a lot time for our whole family to recover from this. We are also grateful for those who refrained from spreading misinformation and for those that tried to keep others from doing so. This is something no parent and no person should ever have to experience no matter their role or involvement. We will be eternally thankful for the kindness and generosity of this community, our friends, and our family. The donations that were so selflessly given have lifted a huge burden from our family during this difficult time."

Principal Stefanie Phillips sent a message to parents, saying, "All students are accounted for and are safe. Students will remain in an extended first period as we lift the modified lockdown. Parents wishing to sign out their student may come to the front of building one. Students will be escorted to their parents after being signed out. Parent permission is required for student check-out.”

Friends of the family set up a GoFundMe page, which has raised almost $50,000.