Brawley Union High School student dies after medical emergency during physical education class

Imperial County authorities investigate death of 16-year-old woman Brawley Union High School Student who died during summer physical education class

BRAWLEY, CALIFORNIA (June 29, 2024) – A 16-year-old Brawley Union High School student tragically died following a medical emergency during a summer physical education class.

Brawley Union High School District officials say the incident occurred on June 27, 2024. The 16-year-old girl, identified only as Sophie, was attending a summer physical education course.

Her gym teacher demanded that she run extra laps for allegedly being late to class, but that claim was disputed by other students in an online Petition.

Zofia asked to stop running and walk instead, the physical education teacher denied this request. Unfortunately, she became ill and had numerous seizures before being taken to Pioneers Memorial Hospital, where she later died.

A full investigation is currently underway.

Liability for death during a high school physical education class

Unfortunately, injuries during physical education classes in schools are quite common. According to National Children’s Hospital, “The most common PE-related injuries were lower limb sprains and strains (23 percent), followed by upper limb sprains and strains (14 percent) and fractures (14 percent). The majority of PE-related injuries (52 percent) occurred in children of secondary school age (11–14 years old).” Many children die during physical education classes each year, unfortunately. Schools should take a number of actions to prevent deaths during physical education classes.

• Schools should regularly conduct health assessments and screening of students to identify pre-existing health conditions.
• Schools should provide physical education teachers and trainers with appropriate training and certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Schools should develop and implement clear emergency plans.
• Schools should provide appropriate supervision during all physical education classes.

Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes harm during physical activity. Consider, for example: Taylor v. Oakland Scavenger Co., 17 Cal. 2d 594 (110 p.2d 1044)“It is the duty of school authorities to supervise the conduct of children on school grounds at all times and to enforce the rules and regulations necessary for their protection.” When school authorities fail to protect children who are then injured, it may be grounds for a claim for negligence.

Take, for example, the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl who died during a physical education class in Los Angeles. The boy collapsed while jogging in gym class. Although the physical education teachers eventually began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, it was ineffective in delivering oxygen to the boy’s brain and heart. Medical experts he testified that timely use of the AED would likely have saved the boy’s life. LAUSD ultimately reached a $15 million settlement with his family. Following any death in physical education class, there are several steps that need to be taken.

• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records related to the death must be retained.
• You should look for surveillance footage.
• The circumstances that led to death need to be established.
• You should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

The vast majority of deaths during physical education classes are preventable and involve some degree of negligence. In many cases, they involve well-intentioned teachers who are poorly trained and put too much pressure on students, especially during the summer months. Students are much more likely to faint and have serious health problems if they exercise during periods when it is very hot outside. The family of any student who dies during a physical education class can seek justice through a civil lawsuit.

Test Deaths during high school physical education classes

We are on Carrillo Law Firm, LLP We extend our deepest condolences to Sophie’s family. This was a tragedy that should never have happened. Anyone with more information should contact police. A thorough investigation into what went wrong is needed for the good of the victim and her family.

Need more information about the incidents at Brawley Union High School? Our team of school safety advocates are here to answer any questions you may have. We are committed to ensuring that students and their families are aware of their rights and that those rights are protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at 626-799-9375.