Ferndale Homecoming Game Against Avondale Evacuated Due to Safety Concerns

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 27, 2024)

Ferndale, MI – Players and fans were evacuated Friday evening from the Ferndale High School Homecoming Game against Avondale following a safety incident that is still not quite clear.

Ferndale Schools released a statement at 9:14pm saying “Out of an abundance of caution, FPS Administration decided to end tonight’s game early. There was an incident in the stadium that was quickly controlled, however, out of an abundance of caution a decision was made to end the game early. Students and fans are exiting the stadium at this time safely.”

Ferndale Police released a statement as well, saying “This evening, during the Ferndale High School homecoming football game, the Ferndale Police Department was alerted to potential threats made on social media. After consulting with school leadership, the decision was made to pause and postpone the game out of an abundance of caution. No actual threat was identified, and with the support of neighboring law enforcement, we ensured everyone left the event safely. We are treating these concerns with the utmost seriousness and will conduct a full investigation to uphold the security of our community.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Neither Ferndale Schools nor Ferndale Police responded to request for comment as of Saturday morning.

UPDATE:

On Sunday Ferndale Schools Superintendent Camille Hibbler released a letter as part of the District’s newsletter:

Dear Ferndale Family,

Ferndale Schools places the safety of our students, staff and community first in all we do. In keeping with our commitment to the Pillar of Transparency with our school community, I am writing to give context to our decision to postpone last Friday’s Homecoming game. The game was postponed due to school district staff, as well as law enforcement becoming aware of threats surfacing on social media relating to potential violence at the game. We are aware that information and speculation circulating on social media, both from parents and students have become a cause for concern.

During the game, in addition to social media threats, there was an altercation between two individuals. Our initial report described this as an “incident”, as we worked with law enforcement to identify those involved and the circumstances. The altercation was quickly controlled by safety officials. An altercation and removal of individuals alone, typically would not cause for the postponement of a game, however, when coupled with the social media threats, and the fear from circulating rumors, our decision was clear to postpone and evacuate out of an abundance of caution. We were later informed that there were no weapons, or actual physical threat identified in or around the stadium.

At this time, we are told there is no viable threat based on Friday’s incidents to normal school operations. Parents and guardians should prepare for school operations as normal tomorrow, September 30th. However, as always–if your student feels the need to discuss and process emotions from attendance at the game, please let the main office staff know and we will make accommodations for support resources. Going forward, we will continue our plans to provide increased safety liaison presence for our school events, and enforcement of our entry requirements. I appreciate the support and feedback from our school community and we will keep you informed as we continue to improve our process.

With Eagle Pride,

Camille Hibbler, Superintendent

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Ferndale Homecoming Game Against Avondale Evacuated Due to Safety Concerns

Camille Hibbler, Superintendent

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