The heartbreaking loss of 10-year-old Kody Townsend has left a Chicago family grieving and searching for answers after the young boy choked on food at Clissold Elementary School and died on October 18, 2024. Kody’s parents, Travis and Lakeisha Jones-Townsend, described their son as the heart of their family—a jokester, a helper, and a child who always seemed to know what those around him needed. “I loved my son Kody,” Travis Townsend said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “I miss him dearly, we all miss him dearly.” Lakeisha echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the unbearable pain of losing a child: “No parent should send their kid to school and not see them the next day.” Their grief has fueled a legal battle against Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the school board, and the city, with the family alleging negligence in the tragedy that claimed Kody’s life.
Kody, a student at Clissold Elementary School in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood, had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) due to a history of seizures and developmental delays. This plan mandated constant supervision to ensure his safety during the school day. According to the lawsuit filed by the Townsend family, Kody was left unsupervised when he choked on food in the school cafeteria, a critical lapse that they claim led to his death. The family alleges that the school staff’s delayed and inadequate response further complicated Kody’s condition, preventing any chance of saving him. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, leaving his family shattered and determined to hold those responsible accountable. “I want his story to be heard,” Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said, her resolve unwavering. “They need to be held accountable for what happened to Kody.”
The lawsuit, filed in the wake of Kody’s death, paints a troubling picture of systemic failures at Clissold Elementary. It contends that the school did not adhere to the requirements of Kody’s IEP, which was designed to protect him given his medical vulnerabilities. The family argues that proper supervision could have prevented the choking incident or enabled a swift response to save his life. The legal action also raises broader questions about the safety protocols in place at Chicago Public Schools, particularly for students with special needs. CPS, in response, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to student safety but declined to comment further due to the ongoing litigation. “Chicago Public Schools is committed to the safety and well-being of our students,” the statement read, offering no specific details about the incident or the district’s policies.
This tragedy has struck a chord in Chicago, where concerns about school safety and oversight have surfaced in recent years. The Townsend family’s case is not an isolated one; other lawsuits against CPS have highlighted issues ranging from inadequate supervision to failure to address bullying or abuse. For the Townsends, however, the fight is deeply personal. Kody was more than a student with special needs—he was a vibrant child who brought joy to his family and community. His parents recall his infectious sense of humor and his knack for brightening any room. “Some people say, ‘Oh, you’ll get over it,’” Lakeisha said, her voice breaking. “When? How? Because I can’t.”
As the lawsuit moves forward, the Townsend family hopes to shed light on what they see as preventable lapses in care, not only to seek justice for Kody but to ensure other children are protected. The case underscores the critical importance of robust safety measures for vulnerable students and has sparked conversations about accountability within the school system. For now, Travis and Lakeisha cling to memories of their son, determined to honor his life by advocating for change. Their story serves as a sobering reminder of the trust parents place in schools and the devastating consequences when that trust is broken.
