Memorial planned for Nathaniel Burton at elementary school

OREGON – A memorial plaque is planned for the playground at Oregon Elementary School in memory of 7-year-old Nathaniel Burton, who died Feb. 17.

Nathaniel, son of Bryan E. and Sarah L. (Safranek) Burton, died after police responded to a 911 call at 2:35 a.m. at his home at 403 S. 10th St.

After CPR attempts by police and ambulance crew members, Nathaniel was transported to KSB Hospital in Dixon, where he was later pronounced deceased.

His death is being investigated as a homicide.

Donations raised for Nathaniel paid for his funeral and will be put toward the plaque and possible other ways to remember him.

“The board has always supported the idea,” Oregon Superintendent Tom Mahoney said. “I made contact with a family member, and they supported a plaque by the playground at the elementary school. We’re collecting costs and will put a timeline together.”

Mahoney said the loss of Burton has had “a huge impact” on staff and students.

“Everyone has been resilient,” Mahoney said. “We’ve brought in a crisis team to do immediate triage and counselors were made aware and are providing support. Teachers have access to counseling and KSB has offered its support.”

Mahoney has been through losses of other students in his career as an educator, and said there’s “no way to approach it.”

“The impact is really serious,” Mahoney said. “When it’s a young child, classmates feel hurt but don’t have that concept of death. Older kids feel more of an impact. It’s the worst part of our job.”