Natchitoches Student Dies After Being Punched at School

A Natchitoches student has died after being punched at school.

18-year-old Johnquaries Smith of Natchitoches was left struggling for his life after a fight at school has died.

He died at University Health Shreveport Tuesday afternoon.

He was flown in from a Natchitoches hospital with life-threatening injuries. Smith was injured at Natchitoches Central High School when he was allegedly "sucker-punched" by a 16-year-old student. SmIth fell back and hit his head. The younger teen was initially charged with second-degree battery, but that will now be upgraded to manslaughter. 

 Counselors will be on hand at Natchitoches Central High School to help students deal with the tragedy.

KEEL News will talk with Superintendent Dale Skinner Wednesday morning at 7:10am.