California Boy, 12, Dies after Teacher Forced Him to Run In 90 °F Heat for Wearing Wrong Clothes to Class, Family Say

August 29, 2023, began as many other days before it had for Yahshua Robinson. However, what happened during the course of that day has left the 12-year-old's family devastated and furious.

Yahshua Robinson's aunt believes that his school is to blame for the tragedy that struck their family, especially as she claimed Robinson's mother had contacted schools in the district to warn them about such incidences.

Robinson, who his aunt described as a loving child who was always full of energy, began following his PE teacher's orders about his lesson. However, what happened next left his family horrified.

Now, Robinson's family has been forced to set up a GoFundMe page so they are able to cover all the medical and other bills that came from the tragedy that they experienced earlier this week.

What Happened to Yahshua Robinson?

Robinson arrived at school on August 29, expecting to have a good say. However, when he arrived at PE, his teacher told him he was wearing the wrong clothing and made him run because of it. The temperature is said to have been in the low to mid-90s.

As Robinson ran in the sweltering heat, he began to feel ill and asked his teacher if he could have some water. He also told the other children in his class that he was not feeling well and needed hydration. His teacher refused him the water, and he subsequently collapsed.

Robinson's aunt, Amarna Plummer, said emergency services were called to attend to Robinson, but by the time her nephew had been transported to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead. His death left his family angry and heartbroken. Plummer wondered:

"Why would you have a child in his clothes – he didn't dress out – running a field?"

Plummer confirmed that Robinson's mother is also a PE instructor for a different school in the district, and she warned school administrators not to let PE lessons go ahead that day because of the heat.

How Does Robinson's Family Feel?

Robinson's family have now said they believe Robinson's school, Canyon Lake Middle School in Lake Elsinore, is to blame for his untimely death as they did not heed warnings about the heat and made Robinson run in unsuitable clothing.

The GoFundMe page that has been set up for Robinson and his family stated that his parents, Eric and Janae, along with Robinson's three siblings, were trying to come to terms with the fact that they had lost him. The page reads:

"The agony of losing a child is indescribable, and as we wait with heavy hearts for the autopsy results, we are reminded of the unpredictability of life."

The page also pleads with the community to come together during this time and support the family as they grapple with the loss of their child and someone who was deeply loved by those who knew him.

The statement on the page ended by saying that any contribution, large or small, would help the family with all of the bills that Robinson's death had resulted in and would be a comfort to the family in the face of "overwhelming sorrow."

So far, almost $50,000 of the $100,000 goal has been raised for the family, and many have left words of support and encouragement on the page. Some have sent their condolences, and others have wished the family peace.

The district where Robinson lost his life released a statement that said it was "saddened" by Robinson's death and confirmed that grief counselors were available to the students and staff at Robinson's school.

While the district has provided the school staff and students with these resources, Plummer does not feel it is enough. She thinks that someone needs to be held accountable because her nephew's death happened on someone else's watch.

Unfortunately, Robinson is not the only child who has lost their life while at school. Another little girl passed away on the bus on her way to her special needs school after her guardian had not paid attention to her on the drive. You can read the full story here. Rest in peace to both these little angels.