10-Year-Old Boy Dies After Choking Incident at Chicago School: Family Alleges Negligence

A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken a Chicago community after a 10-year-old boy, Kody Townsend, died following a choking incident at school. His grieving parents, Travis and Lakeisha Jones-Townsend, are now demanding answers—and justice—after losing their son in what they allege was a preventable death.

Kody, who was described by family as a loving, spirited child with a bright smile and gentle nature, passed away on October 18, 2024, after choking on food while at school. According to his parents, Kody had a history of seizures and developmental delays, conditions that were documented in his Individualized Education Plan (IEP)—a plan designed to ensure he received the special attention and supervision he needed during the school day.

However, the family alleges that those protections failed when Kody needed them most.

Allegations of Negligence

On June 3, 2025, the family announced a lawsuit filed against Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the Chicago Board of Education, and the City of Chicago, alleging gross negligence in Kody’s care. The suit states that the school failed to provide adequate supervision during mealtime—a critical part of his IEP requirements given his medical vulnerabilities.

The complaint further alleges that school staff mishandled the emergency, either not recognizing the severity of the situation quickly enough or not administering the appropriate life-saving response in time. According to the family’s attorneys, these delays and procedural failures exacerbated the choking incident, ultimately leading to Kody’s death.

“The safeguards that were supposed to protect Kody weren’t followed,” said the family’s legal team during a press conference. “This wasn’t just a tragic accident—it was a failure of responsibility and care.”

A Child in Need of Extra Care

Kody’s parents say their son’s needs were well-documented. His IEP outlined the requirement for constant supervision, particularly during high-risk activities such as eating, due to his medical history and neurological condition.

“Kody couldn’t advocate for himself, so we made sure the school understood his needs,” said Lakeisha Jones-Townsend. “We trusted them with his life every day. And they let us down in the worst possible way.”

They also added that Kody had a feeding plan as part of his accommodations—one that specified steps to reduce the risk of choking and ensure his safety during meals. The lawsuit claims the school either ignored or inadequately implemented this plan on the day of the incident.

A Community in Mourning, a Family Seeking Justice

The news of Kody’s passing has sent ripples through the local community. Parents, teachers, and advocacy groups have expressed both sorrow and anger at the events that led to his death.

“This should never have happened,” said a spokesperson for a Chicago-based disability rights group. “When we send our kids with special needs to school, we’re placing enormous trust in the system to protect them. Kody’s death is a tragic reminder that the system is still failing some of our most vulnerable children.”

The Townsend family says they are now channeling their grief into action. They hope that the lawsuit not only holds the responsible parties accountable but also prompts widespread reform in how schools manage and enforce IEPs and emergency responses.

Moving Forward

Despite the painful loss, the Townsend family is determined to be a voice for change. “Our son’s life mattered. His safety mattered,” said Travis Townsend. “We can’t bring Kody back, but we can fight to make sure no other family has to go through what we’re going through.”

The lawsuit is currently under review, and legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months. In the meantime, the Townsend family is calling on the public for support and raising awareness about the importance of special education compliance and emergency preparedness in schools.

As they mourn their beloved son, they continue to emphasize one simple but profound message: “Justice for Kody.”