Family sues Los Angeles schools over teen football player's fatal brain injury

In 2024, 16-year-old Christopher Garcia of South East High School incurred a severe brain injury while making a defensive tackle during a football game, later dying after eleven days in a medically induced coma. His sister, Kimberly Garcia, announced that the family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District, asserting that the district did not ensure safe facilities, appropriate equipment, or sufficient supervision.

The lawsuit also disputes the district’s claim that two medical personnel were on site, arguing that an ambulance should have been present. Video released by the family’s attorneys shows Garcia’s head striking the field during the tackle. LAUSD maintains that district policy requires qualified medical personnel at games and says it will not comment on the case.