A small town in Alabama has been deeply affected by a case that has led to protests, widespread social media attention, and a family’s determined quest for answers.
In August, a 16-year-old student named August Borden from Deshler High School was taken to the hospital after suffering severe injuries, such as multiple skull and facial fractures, following his collapse near the school’s weight room. The situation was chaotic, according to his family.
His mother, Kristen Van Devender, described the scene to PEOPLE, saying: “It was chaos…a living nightmare,” upon arriving to find her son unconscious on campus.
Since the incident, the Shoals community and online platforms have been rife with speculation: allegations of bullying, theories of cover-ups, and demands for transparency have emerged. WAFF reported that billboards with the message ‘Justice for August’ appeared along Alabama highways, as pressure increased on school authorities and law enforcement to ascertain what truly occurred that day.
Recently, after several weeks of rumors, the Madison County District Attorney’s Office concluded its investigation, determining that Borden’s severe injuries resulted from a ‘freak accident’.
District Attorney Robert Broussard stated: “We have heard a lot of rumors, a lot of speculation, a lot of conspiracy theories about ‘This was some awful beat down and some assault’. I’m here to tell you the conclusion of our investigation shows that’s absolutely not the case.”
Investigators, as noted by WAFF, revealed that Borden and a fellow teammate, identified as friends, were leaving the workout area when the other student playfully ‘bear hugged’ him from behind. Shortly after, Borden coughed, made an unusual sound, and collapsed. Witnesses reported that he fell off a six-inch step, hit his face, and began to seize immediately.
Deputy District Attorney Tim Gann explained Borden’s fall, stating: “There’s absolutely nothing in the criminal justice system that is appropriate in this because there’s absolutely zero ill will and zero reckless behavior going on when this happened. It’s a tragic accident and the injuries are terrible, but it’s nothing criminal.”
Throughout the investigation, seventeen individuals were interviewed, including eight eyewitnesses.
Nonetheless, the outcome has not quelled dissent. WAFF reported that protestors outside the school this week suggested that the explanation ‘sounds like corruption and cover-up’.
Broussard addressed the criticism, saying: “It’s the court of public opinion.”
He further explained that this situation is a reflection of the social media era, adding: “Nowadays you have this platform where everybody is so self-important, and their opinion means so much, their mind is made up.”
August’s family continues to question the findings.
His stepfather, Jason Borden, expressed to AL.com: “When you look at the photos and all the evidence that we have, to come out and say that there was absolutely no foul play involved and it’s just a total freak accident, it doesn’t line up to me at all. It doesn’t. It’s very shocking.”
Despite the District Attorney’s conclusion, the superintendent of Tuscumbia City Schools confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that the district’s internal investigation is still underway.