AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — The family of 11-year-old Emerson Kate Cole, who tragically passed away two days after experiencing a severe allergic reaction at school, has filed a lawsuit against Amarillo ISD (AISD).
Cole, who had a severe dairy allergy, was under a 504 Plan at De Zavala Middle School, outlining the steps school employees should take in case of an allergic reaction.
In January 2023, Cole experienced an allergic reaction after consuming pizza during lunch. Upon seeking assistance at the nurse’s office, the school provided her with Benadryl and a breathing treatment. However, her condition deteriorated, leading to her collapse when her grandmother arrived at the school. Despite her grandmother’s efforts to administer CPR, Cole passed away two days later at the hospital.
The lawsuit alleges that AISD failed to implement necessary policies, procedures, and practices to ensure Cole’s safety. Dr. Marc Serota, whose statement is included in the lawsuit, asserted that had Cole received prompt administration of epinephrine when she initially presented with symptoms, her chances of survival would have been significantly higher.
When contacted for comment, AISD Communications Coordinator April Brownlee stated, “We can’t comment on pending litigation.”
This tragic incident underscores the importance of effective allergy management protocols in schools and the need for prompt and appropriate responses to medical emergencies.