Kaleiah Jones' mother, Keyonna Stewart, is suing Newport News Public Schools (NNPS), several staff members, and the City of Newport News following her daughter's death in February. Kaleiah, 16, collapsed at Menchville High School on February 20. According to the family's legal team, it took school staff nine minutes to respond, with CPR starting briefly before stopping. Medics arrived 16 minutes after her collapse.
"Every one of the individuals named in the complaint...had a duty to act...and their failure to act caused her death," said attorney Mark Krudys. Prominent civil rights lawyer Ben Crump joined the case, emphasizing, "This has to be a teachable moment, so no other family has to endure this."
The lawsuit claims the school failed to follow state laws requiring AEDs in schools and argues that using the equipment could have saved Kaleiah's life. Stewart expressed her grief, saying, "I wake up daily with the pain and sorrow knowing my baby girl is not with me."
The family seeks $85 million in damages. Stewart hopes to prevent future tragedies, saying, "We're standing here today to be the voice of Kaleiah in hopes that no other parent will have to stand in my place." NNPS and the Newport News School Board extended condolences to the family but declined to comment on the pending lawsuit.
Link: 13 News Now