TACOMA, Wash. -- A fifth-grade girl became ill at school in Spanaway and died at a hospital on Tuesday, the News Tribune of Tacoma reported.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said the girl died of an asthma attack.

The Clover Creek Elementary School student's name and age were not released.

A letter was sent home to families Tuesday afternoon, telling them of the death and offering information about grief counseling. Counselors will be on hand at the school Wednesday.