Community Dresses in Green to Honor Tragic Loss and Voices Concerns at BUHSD Board Meeting
Brawley, CA – The Brawley Union High School District (BUHSD) held its first board meeting of the 2024-2025 school year on August 14, a somber gathering marked by the tragic death of 16-year-old student Sophie Torres Castillo. The boardroom was filled with family members, friends, and community supporters, many dressed in green to honor Sophie’s memory. The color green, symbolic of hope, was worn by attendees to show solidarity with Sophie’s family and to signify the community’s shared grief and call for justice.
Sophie, a beloved student known for her vibrant personality and contagious smile, passed away on June 27 after collapsing during a physical education class at BUHS’s summer school. She was rushed to Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District’s emergency room, where she was later pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding her death have sparked outrage within the community, leading to an ongoing investigation into the events that unfolded that day.
During the board meeting, emotions ran high as several parents took to the podium to express their concerns about student safety and the perceived lack of action by the school board following Sophie’s death. Darlene Berber-Felton, a concerned parent from Westmoreland, voiced the frustration felt by many. “I am a mother from Westmoreland… I now have a freshman… the lack of action from the board after the incident affected not just Brawley, but Westmoreland and other parts of the valley,” she said. Berber-Felton’s remarks underscored a sentiment that the tragedy extended beyond Brawley, impacting the entire Imperial Valley. She further emphasized that the community would not allow the incident to be forgotten or ignored, stating, “I’m here to respectfully, disrespectfully tell you it’s not going to, and we’re not gonna let it.”
Berber-Felton also shared her struggles in trying to move her child out of Mr. Young’s class following the incident. “My thing is that there’s been no open comment, or anything regarding the safety of our kids… but they take no action and kind of act like this is going to be swept under the rug,” she continued. Despite her efforts, she said, “I’ve tried to move my kid out of the class, but have had no luck, and they said that they could not move my child out of the class at the time being.”
other parents shared their experiences and concerns. Patrick Lauterio, a parent who had previously raised issues with the board, expressed his disappointment over the lack of response to his concerns. “I came to you guys with concerns last year… nobody called me, nobody cared, and that’s just my situation,” Laterra stated, highlighting what he perceived as a pattern of neglect by the board. He added, “I’m looking forward to seeing what you guys are gonna do about this… so, in my opinion, the clock’s ticking and something needs to be done about what happened, with not even a day left of summer school, which is terrible.”
The focus of much of the concern was Brandon Young, the physical education teacher involved in the incident that led to Sophie’s death. According to reports, Young remains employed at Brawley Union High School, despite being under investigation for his actions on the day Sophie collapsed. This fact has further fueled anxiety among parents, several of whom have attempted to switch their children out of Young’s classes. Laura Padilla, one such parent, spoke out during the meeting, revealing that her son was assigned to Young’s class this year. “I don’t want that to be my child. I don’t want that mom to be me,” Padilla said, her voice filled with emotion. She added, “I understand that the teacher had no control over what was gonna happen. But what guarantee do I have that whatever is being said is not going to happen to my child?” Superintendent Simon Canalez responded to Padilla’s concerns by stating that they would reach out to her to address the possibility of switching her son’s classes.
Superintendent Canalez also responded to the community’s broader concerns by acknowledging the need for a more comprehensive safety plan. When one parent asked about the school’s heat illness prevention plan, Canalez confirmed that it could be presented at the next meeting to inform and reassure parents. This plan would outline measures to protect both students and staff from the dangers of heat-related illnesses, an issue of particular importance given the extreme temperatures often experienced in the region.
The board members also took a moment to express their condolences to Sophie’s family and friends. “Good evening, thank you for attending today’s meeting, ladies and gentlemen and staff,” began board member Audrey Noriega. “I’d also like to send my thoughts and prayers to Sophie’s family and friends and also those family and friends that were affected by the tragedy.” Clerk of the Board Estella Sanchez-Galvan and President of the Board Joel Gonzalez echoed these sentiments, with Gonzalez adding, “to the family our condolences, and we’re hoping to have a great school year”
The events leading up to Sophie’s death have been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. According to witness accounts and a petition circulating within the community, Sophie was in her second PE class of the day when she collapsed. The petition, which has garnered nearly 4,000 signatures, alleges that Mr. Young made Sophie and other students run extra laps for being late, despite Sophie reportedly being on time. Sophie requested permission to stop running and walk, but was allegedly denied, with Young reportedly telling her, “You have to run to pass my class.” Sophie continued running until she slowed down and eventually collapsed in the gym, suffering multiple seizures. Witnesses claim that Young did not immediately assist Sophie and instead yelled at her to get up and keep running. It was only after another student intervened that Young attempted to help, allegedly lifting Sophie by her arm as she continued to have seizures.
The petition also includes other troubling accounts from parents and students regarding Mr. Young’s conduct. One parent described how Young forced their daughter to run despite severe stomach pain, later diagnosed as a gallbladder issue, which caused her to vomit. Another parent recounted a disturbing incident during Saturday school, where Young and his wife allegedly mocked and embarrassed girls with asthma until they left in tears.
you can sign the petition by clicking the link below
A community member, reflecting on the situation, stated, “I don’t think he woke up and chose to kill that kid, I truly think it was an accident, but I just think of it this way: this teacher is so used to having to deal with troublemakers that he thought that if he pushed the kids it would have a positive impact, but that was not the best idea. It may work for some kids, but not all. I don’t think he did it on purpose, but I do agree he should have let her take a break from the jump if she said she wasn’t feeling well.”
KyAnna Telford A student at BUHS who witnessed the incident provided a heartbreaking account to 760 News Media: “He wouldn’t let a girl stop running. She asked him if she could stop running, and every time someone asked that, he says that if they want to pass his class, they keep running… And she collapsed on the floor and she had multiple seizures and she was taken to the hospital… I was there and I had to watch my friend die today.”
While the community’s anger is palpable, it is important to remember that Mr. Young remains innocent until proven guilty. The investigation into Sophie’s death is ongoing, with both the school and law enforcement agencies expected to carry out a thorough examination of the incident to determine any potential liabilities.
Sophie Torres Castillo, born on December 26, 2007, was a beacon of light in the Brawley community. Her friends and family remember her as a kind-hearted and spirited young woman who brought joy to everyone around her. As the community grapples with her sudden and tragic loss, many are calling for significant changes to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Sophie’s passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her. Her cousin Matilda said, “Sophie made the world a better place because of her smile. If someone was having a bad day, she would put a smile on their face.” Another cousin, Mia, described Sophie as “very outgoing, loving, kind, and always laughing.” The grief over Sophie’s loss is compounded by the knowledge that she had such a bright future ahead of her, a future now tragically cut short.
In these difficult times, we extend our deepest condolences to Sophie’s family, friends, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.