Bellamy Dawkins-Morris’s family is seeking legal counsel after the 5-year-old was crushed to death by a falling digital display at his Florida elementary school.
The boy, who was on the autism spectrum, died Wednesday at a local hospital after a wall-mounted Promethean board fell on him at Riviera Elementary School in Palm Bay around 11:30 a.m., according to first responders. Staff members and paramedics had scrambled to save him at the scene before he was transported.
“This is a tragedy that should never happen to Bellamy. Our family is grieving horribly,” the boy’s great-aunt, Melissa Rodriguez, told The Post.
“They should’ve been paying attention to him better,” she added.
Rodriguez described the child as a joyful presence beloved by relatives and strangers alike. “This little boy was loved by everyone in his family and anyone who ever met him,” she said.
“He was such a happy little boy, always smiling, running around making you laugh with the things that he did. He is missed horribly. We want justice for Bellamy.”
The family is now exploring litigation over the incident. “The family is still angry. The family is hurt. Our hearts are broken. We are seeking counsel,” Rodriguez shared.
Brevard County Schools acknowledged the fatality in communications with parents and the public. “We are saddened by the heartbreaking news of a tragic accident that occurred yesterday at Riviera Elementary School,” the district wrote in a note to families.
“A five-year-old student was seriously injured when a large video display (Promethean) board, which was mounted on the wall, fell on the student,” the message continued. “Despite immediate emergency medical care and continued efforts by medical personnel, the student tragically passed away.”
The district is now inspecting all similar displays across its schools. “We understand that this tragedy may raise questions and concerns among families and staff about similar equipment in our schools,” officials stated.
“Promethean boards across the District are installed by a licensed third-party vendor in accordance with manufacturer guidelines,” the district added, without specifying what caused the board to detach.