A 12-year-old boy has tragically died after allegedly being forced to run in high temperatures for not having the correct gym clothes.
Yahshua Robinson, a 12-year-old student, tragically lost his life on Tuesday during his physical education class. According to family members, he was allegedly ignored by a teacher when he pleaded for help after being forced to run in scorching heat, as reported by NBC4.
The incident unfolded around 11AM as temperatures soared into the low- to mid-90 degrees. After allegedly being made to run in the heat for not having the correct attire for the class, Robinson's aunt, Amarna Plummer, revealed that witnesses claimed Yahshua started feeling unwell and desperately sought assistance.
"He was reaching out to the teacher, saying he needed some water. He said he couldn't breathe. He was telling the kids this," Plummer recounted.
Despite his pleas, Robinson's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he collapsed on the field, Plummer added. Emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter, but tragically, Robinson was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, leaving his family shattered and outraged.
"Why would you have a child in his clothes – he didn't dress out – running a field?", Plummer questioned.
Plummer disclosed that Robinson's mother is a physical education instructor at a different school within the same district. According to Plummer, her sister-in-law had reportedly alerted school administrators about the dangerous heat, although it remains unclear to whom this complaint was directed.
"She informs the administration, 'Do not let any children go out today for PE,' and what happened? She gets a call he passed out on the field," Plummer said.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Lake Elsinore Unified School District refrained from providing specific details regarding Robinson's tragic death. NBC4 inquired if the boy was not in his physical education clothing but did not receive a response.
The district did, however, release a statement expressing its sorrow over the tragic loss. "We are saddened to confirm the death of one of our students due to a medical emergency at one of our LEUSD campuses," the statement read.
Grief counselors are now on hand to support students and staff during this difficult time.
Despite the district's statement, Plummer remains resolute in her demand for accountability in the face of this devastating loss. "This is terrible. It happened on somebody else's watch," she said.
Plummer has since set up a GoFundMe page to support the family, with $49,000 being raised from a $100,000 target at the time of writing.
Robinson's aunt penned: "Janae & Eric Robinson and their three other children are trying to come to terms with this devastating reality. The agony of losing a child is indescribable, and as we wait with heavy hearts for the autopsy results, we are reminded of the unpredictability of life."
As the investigation into this tragic incident unfolds, our thoughts are with Yahshua Robinson's family and friends during this difficult time.