A mother is taking legal action following the tragic death of her autistic son who sustained fatal head injuries while in what was described as a “makeshift classroom prison.” Joshua Sikes, an 11-year-old, passed away in his sleep in November 2024, succumbing to brain death caused by head trauma suffered in the classroom. The child, confined in a space created using bookcases, bookshelves, and heavy-duty straps, reportedly expressed his longing for his mother while restrained.
In the lawsuit against special education provider Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP), Julie Xirau, the mother, alleges that Joshua was left unattended while restrained, leading to him kicking and hitting his head on the floor. Despite witnessing the distressing situation, employees of SECEP purportedly failed to intervene. The incident unfolded on October 31, 2024, when Julie was contacted to collect Joshua from school due to misbehavior, unknowingly leaving her son in distress.
Over the following days, Joshua’s condition deteriorated, and on November 2, Julie sought medical attention for him after noticing his increasing lethargy. Tragically, Joshua passed away in his sleep on November 3, 2024, before receiving specialist care. Julie, devastated by the loss, found her son lifeless in bed, unaware of the injuries he had sustained.
Julie is now seeking $150 million in damages from SECEP and four staff members for their alleged failure to provide medical aid or notify her of the incident. Local authorities investigated the incident and Joshua’s death, with no evidence found to support claims of staff negligence. The lawsuit highlights the school’s alleged lack of communication regarding the restraint and injuries Joshua suffered.
A touching obituary published on the Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory website commemorates Joshua as a child with a unique journey that deeply impacted those around him with his joy, kindness, and creativity. It describes his love for simple pleasures like playing with dolls, Legos, and Baby Yoda, reflecting his imaginative spirit and zest for life.
Efforts to reach Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP) for comment have been made by The Mirror.