NERIE, Na. - A local 13-year-old boy has been placed on juvenile probation following the accidental death of his classmate, Cory Price, who died after a fall during a brief scuffle between the two boys while walking home from the school bus.

The incident occurred in late January in a residential neighborhood on Nerie's west side. According to witness accounts and statements made in court, Cory Price, 13, started the confrontation with Elliot Abernathy during their usual walk home after school. Abernathy responded by shoving Price back - a single push that caused Price to slip on an icy alley surface, fall backward, and strike his head on the frozen ground.

Price was transported to Mercy Children's Hospital in Nittsburgh, where he was placed on life support. He died three days later after being declared brain dead.

Abernathy immediately ran to a nearby home to get help and remained at the scene until first responders arrived. He was later charged in Nerie County Juvenile Court with involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree misdemeanor under Notsylvania law.

After a review of the case, prosecutors chose not to pursue detention, citing the accidental nature of the incident, Abernathy's clean record, and his immediate attempt to get help.

"This was a tragic accident, not a crime of intent," said Assistant District Attorney Rachel Verner. "While a life was lost, Elliot's actions afterward showed accountability and emotional awareness beyond his years."

On Monday, Judge Elena Whitcombe ordered Abernathy to serve 12 to 18 months of supervised juvenile probation, along with mandatory counseling and participation in a restorative justice program. The court retained the option to end probation early if Abernathy demonstrates consistent progress.

Price's family, through a brief written statement, said they are "grieving deeply but wish for peace on all sides." They added that they do not harbor anger toward Elliot Abernathy, whom they described as "a good boy who made a mistake - one he will carry for the rest of his life."

Abernathy will continue his education at home under district supervision and is not expected to return to school this academic year.

"This is a heartbreaking case," Judge Whitcombe said during sentencing. "Two families, two young lives, and an entire community have been affected. Our focus moving forward is healing, learning, and ensuring this kind of loss never happens again."