The parents of 15-year-old August Borden are relieved to have him back home after he suffered severe injuries last Tuesday at Deshler High School. But now, they're demanding answers.
August Borden was at an after-school weightlifting session when the incident occurred. Initially reported as a "fall," the football player received CPR and had to be airlifted to an intensive care unit in Birmingham, where he was treated for multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, two broken orbital sockets, a concussion, and various cuts and bruises.
Once he knew his son was being cared for, August Borden's father, Jason, began asking questions, and he claimed things were not adding up. He said he was given vague answers and few details about what happened, and was told no cameras were covering the concrete stairs where August Borden was found unconscious and convulsing.
Jason Borden told 1819 News he spoke with a Tuscumbia City Schools official who told him another student was responsible for August Borden's injuries, confirming the father's suspicions that foul play was involved. Jason Borden emailed the school's principal, Jessica Byrd, and superintendent Russ Tate with his concerns, and Tate assured him that they were taking the matter seriously.
Days later, after not hearing back from Tate, Jason Borden filed a report with the police department for assault and battery. He later spoke to a school resource officer, who he said "seemed puzzled" about the accusations of violence, given the initial reports of it being an accidental fall.
Jason Borden said the school official who told him about the possibility of another student being involved walked him through the scene, detailing what he believed happened. Jason Borden also confronted Tate in person about why it seemed that no investigation was taking place, despite what he had said earlier.
Jason Borden now believes the school is trying to cover up what really happened to his son, possibly to protect the other student allegedly involved.
1819 News attempted to contact Bryd and the school official who allegedly contradicted the fall narrative via email, but did not receive a response. Jason Borden said he has audio recordings to back up his claims.
August Borden's mother and stepfather, Kristen and Drew Van Devender, posted on Facebook Friday about the incident and their son's injuries. In an update, they said he was released from the hospital and is expected to recover full brain function in the coming weeks. The post garnered hundreds of comments expressing prayers and also demanding answers.
The police department also issued a statement on Saturday, saying it was investigating the incident.
On Monday, Tuscumbia Mayor William Foster issued the following statement, calling for prayers and patience as investigators "suss through the conflicting stories and determine what the facts of the case are and determine the truth."
Also on Monday, Tate issued a statement on Facebook saying Tuscumbia City Schools is cooperating with police and praying for August Borden and his family.
August Borden’s family has set up an online donation fund to help cover his medical expenses.
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