Español12-Year-Old Yahshua Robinson “YaYa” Died After Collapsing During P.E. Class At Canyon Lake Middle School In Lake Elsinore —> GoFundMe Created To Help Victim’s Family
LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA (August 31, 2023) – A 12-year-old boy identified as Yahshua Robinson has died after collapsing during P.E. class at Canyon Lake Middle School in Lake Elsinore.
Riverside County officials are saying that the incident took place on Thursday. Yahshua Robinson was participating in P.E. activities when he suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive.
Paramedics were called to the scene and began life-saving measures. Despite the continued efforts from medical staff, Yahshua Robinson died from cardiac arrest at the hospital.
Family members believe that his sudden death was caused by the heatwave that has covered Southern California for the past week. Temperatures in Lake Elsinore reached 106 Fahrenheit on Tuesday, August 29.
Many people in Southern California are simply not accustomed to such a high heat index. You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe.
According to the fundraiser, “Whether large or small, every contribution will serve as a testament to Yahshua’s cherished memory and the impact he made in his short time with us. From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for standing alongside the Robinson family, for being their beacon of hope, and for showing that love and compassion remain resilient even in the face of overwhelming sorrow.”
Liability For Students Deaths Due To Heat Related Illnesses
People tend to assume that heat related illnesses mostly affect the elderly. But the truth is that everyone including children are vulnerable. According to the NHTSA, “A child can die when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees. In 2022, 33 children died of heatstroke in vehicles. In 2018 and 2019, we saw a record number of hot car deaths — 53 children died each year — the most in at least 25 years.” Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke in a number of situations.
- Children are vulnerable if they are in an enclosed vehicle with no air conditioning.
- Children are vulnerable if they are outside in the heat performing physical activities for extended periods.
- Children are vulnerable if they have not eaten or are dehydrated.
Every school district tends to have different rules and regulations regarding when children are allowed to be outside during a high heat index. In general, most school districts will not allow outdoor activities when the heat index is greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Riverside County School District has a number of guidelines when the heat index is between 90 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Among other things, students outside should be in shaded areas and protected from the sun. Physical activity for students should be restricted and limited to only 15 minutes. When the heat index is over 105 degrees Fahrenheit, no outdoor activity including recess is permitted.
A school district in California could be liable for the death of a child due to a heat related illness. Schools must protect children from foreseeable sources of harm, including those posed by a high heat index. Consider, for example, Taylor v. Oakland Scavenger Co., 17 Cal. 2d 594 [110 P.2d 1044], “It is the duty of the school authorities to supervise at all times the conduct of the children on the school grounds and to enforce those rules and regulations necessary to their protection.” In addition to general guidelines for a high heat index, each student has a unique health profile that teachers and administrators should be aware of. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any student death.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
- The actions of teachers before and after any incident should be understood.
Heat related illnesses are nearly always preventable when the right safety protocols are being measured. Children can be particularly vulnerable because they may be afraid to speak up if they are getting uncomfortable. By law, teachers in California are required to have an Adult, Child, and Infant Pediatric CPR, AED and First Aid certification. In the event of an emergency, CPR can mean the difference between life and death. The family of any child that died from a heat related illness may be able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Lake Elsinore School Accidents
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of Yahshua Robinson. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for what took place. It is our sincere hope that the school district will implement additional measures so that a tragedy like this never happens again.
Do you need more information about any school accident in Riverside County? Our team of school safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that families are aware of their rights and that school districts are held to account for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
