PALM BAY, Fla. – Brevard Public Schools is inspecting wall-mounted Promethean display boards at every campus in the district after a 5-year-old student at Riviera Elementary School in Palm Bay died Wednesday when one of the boards fell on him, Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell said in a message to families Thursday.
“Effective immediately, the District is conducting inspections of Promethean boards across all of our campuses while we await the findings of the investigation,” Rendell wrote.
Rendell said the boards in Brevard schools are installed by a licensed third-party vendor in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. The district did not name the vendor.
What happened Wednesday
Emergency responders were called to Riviera Elementary, at 351 Riviera Drive NE, at about 11:36 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, after a large video display board fell on the student, according to Brevard Public Schools.
The district said school staff immediately called 911 and began lifesaving measures. The Palm Bay Police Department said school administrators provided first aid until first responders arrived.
The child was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, where medical personnel continued resuscitation efforts. He did not survive.
“We are devastated by this unimaginable loss,” the district said in a statement released Wednesday by Janet Murnaghan, Brevard Public Schools’ chief strategic communications officer.
Palm Bay police described the incident as a tragic accident.
At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Palm Bay Police Deputy Chief Nicholas Szczepanski said the department’s Special Victims Unit and Major Case Unit are investigating.
Rendell said he met with the family shortly after the child’s death. “We lost a life today, a precious young life. There are no words to describe that loss,” he said.
Family identifies child, seeks answers
The family has identified the boy as Bellamy Dawkins-Morris, according to WESH 2. The station reported the board weighed about 120 pounds.
Family members told WESH 2 that Bellamy’s mother was told he had been moving the display board back and forth while other students were lining up before it tipped over and fell on him. The family said Bellamy had autism and questioned whether the board was properly secured and whether enough supervision was provided.
“Obviously, the monitor was not secure, and that’s a huge issue. That could have been anybody’s child,” his great-aunt, Miriam Rodriguez, told the station. “We need answers, and we need them immediately.”
His grandmother, Christy Rodriguez Bruno, said he “was supposed to be in a safe place enjoying his little five-year-old self.”
The family told WESH 2 it is seeking accountability and has sought legal counsel.
Superintendent’s message to families
In Thursday’s message, Rendell acknowledged that the death may raise concerns among parents and staff about similar equipment in other schools.
“Our hearts are with the student’s family and loved ones, as well as the student’s classmates, teachers and the entire Riviera Elementary community as they navigate this devastating loss,” he wrote.
Rendell said the district is cooperating fully with Palm Bay police and will provide additional information “when it becomes available and appropriate to share.”
The district said counseling and support services are available for Riviera Elementary students and staff.
The Space Coast Rocket will continue to follow this story and provide updates as the investigation continues.
Criminal Defense
Bankruptcy · Evictions
WICKS LAW P.A.
Call or text for
free consult
321-733-2700
Eric Wicks, Esq.
1250 West Eau Gallie Blvd. G
Melbourne, FL 32935
Abogado Wicks habla español
