Philly police probe death of student at special needs school

Philadelphia police say they’re investigating the death of a 17-year-old student who scuffled with staff at a private, residential school for children with special needs.

Police say they were called to the Wordsworth Academy about 11 p.m. Thursday where the student was found dead.

Police say the teenage boy had mental health and medical issues and may have been put in a headlock by a staff member who was attempting to subdue him.

The school did not immediately return an email seeking comment Friday morning, and a voicemail box was full and not accepting new messages.

The school’s website says it is a private, nonprofit that provides “education, behavioral health, and child welfare services to children and youth who are experiencing emotional, behavioral and academic challenges.”