City leaders are calling for answers after a Deshler High School student was seriously injured last week in an incident that remains under investigation.
Freshman football player August Borden, 15, was airlifted to Birmingham on Aug. 19 after what was initially reported as a fall at the school. His parents say he sustained skull fractures and was unconscious for nearly two days before being discharged Thursday. Borden is now recovering at home.
Tuscumbia Mayor William Foster issued a detailed statement Monday morning, saying conflicting accounts of what happened have complicated the investigation.
“First things first, we’ve got a young man in our community who needs to be lifted up in prayer or positive thoughts, whichever works for you. His family needs our help, love, and support. We must never lose sight of this.”
“Last Tuesday at around 4 PM, an emergency call came in to our 911 that a student was hurt at Deshler High School. The initial report was the injury was due to a fall, CPR was in progress, and the child was having a seizure. A helicopter was called in for air evacuation. Our Tuscumbia first responders were on site after the call in about 2 to 3 minutes.”
“Our first priority was to get the young man the medical attention he needed as quickly as possible. On this, our first responders and medical professionals appear to have done excellent work with a serious injury and I’m happy to report the young man was discharged on Thursday and is now recovering at home.”
Foster said Williams’ recollection of the event is ‘scant at best.’
“He describes Tuesday as a blackout. Our Tuscumbia investigators, led by Chief Tony Logan, have been busy with their investigation and gathering all the facts as respectfully as possible, particularly regarding the hurt young man and his distressed family, and within the bounds of the law.”
“We are determined to get to the bottom of this case. The initial 911 call was a medical call. It was not a criminal call. The initial report was that August fell. Some have said he fell off the bleachers, some say down some stairs in a building, some have said he fell down some stairs outside a building. As you can see, there are a lot of different stories, and the stories differ even within those who were there when August got hurt.”
“My point being this – our investigators have to sift through the conflicting stories and determine what the facts of the case are and determine the truth.”
Borden’s parents also addressed the community on Facebook, saying the ordeal has left them shaken and searching for answers. In an update, the family said August is expected to make a full recovery within weeks, though he will need further treatment for facial fractures once swelling subsides.
The Tuscumbia Police Department confirmed in a statement that the matter is under investigation and it “is being taken very seriously.”
“Our investigators are actively reviewing all available information and evidence,” the department wrote. “Because this is an ongoing investigation, specific details cannot be released at this time. However, please know that our priority is to ensure a thorough and fair process while protecting the privacy and well-being of those involved.”
Tuscumbia City Schools posted a statement on Monday morning from Superintendent Russ Tate saying the district is cooperating with law enforcement but cannot provide details due to federal student privacy laws.
“This is currently an active investigation. Due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) guidelines, we are not allowed to discuss information pertaining to minor students. Our goal is to aide the Tuscumbia Police Department and not hinder their investigation,” Superintendent Tate wrote.
“We continue to pray for the student who was injured and their family. We ask that you continue to lift them up in prayers as well.”
Courtesy of 256 Today.
