Details About Jaren Lawson’s Death After Football Practice Released

According to a report from News4SanAntonio, a Northside ISD police incident report has been released detailing the tragic death of 16-year-old Jaren Lawson.¹

Lawson collapsed during football practice at Stevens High School on the afternoon of February 10th and later died around midnight.

The report states that at approximately 12:30 p.m., Lawson appeared lethargic and had difficulty keeping his balance. At 12:37 p.m., the athletic trainer and her assistant were called to assist. At 12:42 p.m., the trainer went to retrieve a wheelchair. Paramedics arrived at 12:57 p.m. and reported that Lawson was in and out of consciousness and sweating heavily.

He was transported to Methodist Children’s Hospital, where he later passed away.

Northside ISD stated that its initial review found no evidence Lawson informed coaches that he could not practice. The district also said coaches reminded him that he could opt out of the workout because they knew he had been ill the previous day.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released the official cause or manner of death.

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Did You Know?

Football consistently has one of the highest injury rates among high school sports, with approximately 4 injuries per 1,000 athletes, according to national sports injury data.²

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Wrongful Death Claims for High School Sports in San Antonio

The loss of a child is unimaginable. When that loss occurs during something as routine as school football practice, families are often left searching for answers.

High school sports are designed to build discipline and teamwork. But football is physically demanding, and medical emergencies can occur—sometimes suddenly and without warning.

When a student collapses during practice, families may understandably ask:

• Were warning signs recognized quickly?

• Was medical care provided as soon as it should have been?

• Were established safety protocols followed?

These questions do not assume wrongdoing. They simply reflect a family’s need for clarity.

Medical Emergencies in Young Athletes

Teen athletes can experience serious medical events related to:

• Heat illness

• Dehydration

• Undiagnosed heart conditions

• Respiratory complications

• Recent illness combined with physical exertion

Symptoms such as dizziness, balance problems, extreme fatigue, heavy sweating, or confusion can signal a medical emergency that requires immediate evaluation.

Even with trained staff present, some emergencies progress rapidly. The key legal question is not whether a tragedy occurred—but whether anyone failed to use reasonable care in responding to it.

When Does a Tragedy Become a Legal Matter?

Not every heartbreaking loss results in a wrongful death claim. A claim may only exist if negligence or wrongful conduct contributed to the death.

That may involve questions about:

• Whether established emergency procedures were followed

• Whether medical attention was provided within a reasonable time

• Whether known risks were properly addressed

• Whether district policies were followed

These cases are highly fact-specific. They require reviewing medical records, incident timelines, and district protocols.

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Special Rules for Claims Against School Districts

Public school districts are government entities. That means wrongful death claims involving a school may be subject to:

• Shorter notice deadlines

• Specific filing requirements

• Limits under the Texas Tort Claims Act

If deadlines are missed, families may lose the right to pursue a claim even if negligence occurred.

That is why early legal guidance is important.

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What Families May Be Able to Recover

If an investigation shows that negligence played a role, certain family members may be able to pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical expenses incurred before death

• Mental anguish and emotional suffering

• Loss of companionship, care, and support

No lawsuit can undo a loss. But it can provide accountability and financial stability if preventable mistakes contributed to a child’s death.

Lost a Child Due to a Sports-Related Incident in San Antonio? Call Shaw.

Losing a child during a school activity is devastating. If your family lost a child during a school sports practice or event, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Medical expenses

• Emotional pain and mental anguish

• Loss of companionship and future support

We’ll help you find out for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just clear legal guidance during an incredibly difficult time.

We look forward to serving you.

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¹News4SanAntonio report

²Center for Orthopedics