Heartbreaking Loss of a 16-Year-Old BUHS Student Leaves Community in Mourning and Sparks outrage in the local community
Brawley, CA – A 16-year-old student at Brawley Union High School, tragically passed away on Thursday afternoon, June 27, at Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District’s emergency room. Reports indicate that she collapsed during a physical education class at her summer school and was transported to the hospital, where she later died. The circumstances surrounding her death have prompted a wave of grief and outrage in the community, along with an investigation into the incident.
Brawley Union High School District’s Response
The school district has been restrained in its communications regarding the incident, with no official confirmation of the details. Social media posts and witness accounts have circulated, suggesting the information is accurate. The district finally addressed parents nearly 24 hours after Sophie’s death, sending out a mass message stating that a “video” or “audio” statement would be forthcoming. When the statement was released around 1:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Friday, June 28, it provided limited information: according to Calexico Chronicle
“Due to a medical emergency on campus and out of respect for the privacy of the affected family, we are unable to disclose further details regarding this incident or respond to any specific inquiries at this time,” a female voice stated in the recorded message. “We recognize that many of our students may be affected by the incident and therefore would like to inform you we have a list of community resources available to you. If you would like additional assistance regarding potentially available support, please contact Christina Velasco in the superintendent’s office at 760-312-6063. Thank you. This message will now repeat. To end this call, please hang up.”
When asked for further comment, Brawley Union High School officials, including Superintendent Simon Canalez, reiterated that they would be sticking to the original statement.
Allegations Against PE Teacher Brandon Young
In the aftermath of Sophie’s death, serious allegations have been directed at Brandon Young, a physical education teacher at Brawley Union High School. A petition started by a sophomore student at BUHS, who witnessed the incident and wishes to remain anonymous, has garnered nearly 2000 signatures. The petition, hosted on MoveOn.org and titled “TO: Because of Mr. Young we lost a beautiful and wonderful girl who had such a bright future. Please help Sophie get her justice,” lays out a harrowing account of the events leading to Sophie’s death.
According to the petition, Sophie was in her second PE class of the day for summer school when Mr. Young allegedly made her and other students run extra laps for being late, despite Sophie reportedly being on time. She requested permission to stop running and walk but was denied, with Mr. Young reportedly telling her, “You have to run to pass my class.” Sophie continued running until she slowed down and collapsed in the gym, experiencing multiple seizures. The petition claims that Mr. Young did not immediately assist Sophie, instead yelling at her to get up and keep running. It was only when another student intervened that Mr. Young attempted to help, allegedly lifting Sophie by her arm and standing over her as she continued to have seizures. Security personnel arrived shortly after, at which point Mr. Young began to show concern, and Sophie was eventually taken to the hospital, where she died.
The petition also includes a variety of complaints from parents and students against Mr. Young. Chantel A., a parent, recounted a disturbing incident involving Saturday school, where Mr. Young and his wife allegedly verbally abused girls with asthma, mocking and embarrassing them until they left in tears. Another parent described how Mr. Young forced their daughter to run despite her severe stomach pain, which was later diagnosed as a gallbladder issue, causing her to vomit.
another community member 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 trouble makers 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”
A student who witnessed the incident provided a statement 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 social media and the community have placed significant blame on Brandon Young, it is essential to remember that he remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and until all this information is officially confirmed. Both the school and law enforcement agencies are expected to carry out comprehensive investigations to uncover the precise circumstances of Sophie’s tragic passing and to assess any potential liabilities.
Community Reaction and Support
The tragic death of Sophie has deeply affected the Brawley community. Social media has been flooded with expressions of grief, anger, and calls for justice. “my precious angel everything seems so blank to me I still can't believe ur not here anymore 🕊️.” Said one student.
BUHS News, an independent student-run outlet, shared on Instagram that Sophie was “a beautiful soul who indeed died too young” and described her as “a beautiful and sweet girl” with “a gorgeous smile and voice.”
A Meal Train® fundraiser has been established for Sophie’s family, already raising $5,160 as of Saturday, June 29 exceeding their goal of $5000. Organized by Dalia Escutia, the fundraiser seeks to support the family in their time of mourning. The fundraiser message reads: “With a heavy heart, on behalf of the Torres Castillo family, we would like to request the support of the community as we mourn the loss of their young daughter, Sophie Torres. Please help Sophie’s family find comfort during this trying time. Your love and support is greatly appreciated.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Imperial County Coroner’s Office is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of Sophie’s death. Initial reports suggest that she may have suffered from an underlying medical condition that was exacerbated by physical exertion. Autopsy results are pending and are expected to provide crucial insights into the events leading to her death.
“As of this point it is too early to determine a cause of death. From our investigation, it was determined that there was no known history of drug use or underlying medical conditions,” Imperial County Deputy Coroner Rogelio Tafoya said.
“Hyperthermia may have played a role, but we will know more once the autopsy is conducted,” Tafoya added. Hyperthermia is elevated body temperature. Obtained by Calexico Chronicle.
Furthermore, When asked the Brawley Police Department stated that they were not involved with this case.
The Brawley community continues to mourn the loss of a promising young life, with many calling for changes to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
Please note that certain aspects of this story are based on information provided by community members, witnesses, the Calexico Chronicle, and the social media page BUHS News, and have not been confirmed by official sources, additionally, the story is still developing in the incident still investigation. Stay tuned for more updates.