California Middle Schooler Collapses And Dies After Being Forced To Run In Sweltering Heat

A 12-year-old boy collapsed and died Tuesday at a California school after running on the field on a hot day.

Yashua Robinson was participating in his physical education class at Canyon Lakes Middle School when he collapsed and became unresponsive. Despite the response of medical professionals, the boy tragically passed away at the hospital.

The family believes that the sweltering heat wave the area is experiencing played a part in Robinson’s death. NBC Los Angeles reports that the temperature reached the low- to mid-90s.

His aunt, Amarna Plummer, told the outlet that her nephew was not dressed appropriately for P.E. and told him to run as a consequence. She said that, according to other students, he complained of not feeling well. 

“He was reaching out to the teacher, saying he needed some water,” she said. “He said he couldn’t breathe. He was telling the kids this.”

Additionally, Plummer told the outlet that Robinson’s mother is a P.E. teacher at a different school in the district. With the intense heatwave, she allegedly warned school administrators that it was too hot for students to be outside for P.E. However, details of the complaint are unclear. 

The Lake Elsinore Unified School District confirmed that a student died on campus.

“In this difficult moment, we are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of our students due to a medical emergency on one of our LEUSD campuses,” it read. “Our hearts are with the family, friends, and our school community. This is a time of great sorrow for the entire community.”

The school district also said mental health and grief counselors will be available to students and staff. 

Robinson’s family said they’re still awaiting official autopsy reports.