Kody Townsend death: Boy, 10, dies after choking at Clissold Elementary School, family sues Chicago Public Schools for negligence
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 10-year-old boy died after he choked on food at a Chicago school, according to his family.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Parents Travis and Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said their son Kody Townsend had an Individual Education Plan due to seizures and a developmental delay that required constant supervision at school.

The Clissold Elementary School student died on October 18, according to a new lawsuit issued by the family.

“Some people are like ‘oh you’ll get over it.’ When? How? Because I can’t,” Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said.

Kody’s parents said he was the family jokester, helper and always knew what people needed.

“I loved my son Kody,” Travis Townsend said. “I miss him dearly we all miss dearly.”

The parents allege in the lawsuit that he wasn’t supervised when he choked on food at school and later died at a local hospital.

“No parent should send their kid to school and not see them the next,” Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said.

10-year-old Kody Townsend died after he choked on food at a Chicago school, according to his family.

10-year-old Kody Townsend died after he choked on food at a Chicago school, according to his family.

The family filed a lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools, the school board and the city alleging negligence in Kody’s death.

The lawsuit alleges that the response from the school staff complicated his condition.

“I want his story to be heard, and I want people and staff to be taken accountable.” Mother Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said. “They need to be held accountable for what happened to Kody.”

Chicago Public Schools issued the following statement:

“Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of our students. The district does not provide comments on ongoing litigation.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Top Trump officials traveling into Gaza amid food crisis 

High-Level Trump Advisors Visit Gaza During Severe Food Shortage

Top Trump administration officials will travel into the Gaza Strip on Friday…
Trump gives Mexico a 90-day trade extension

Trump Grants Mexico a 90-Day Trade Extension

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he’s giving Mexico a 90-day extension…
Redistricting war underscores growing power of state legislatures

State Legislatures’ Increasing Influence Highlighted by Redistricting Battle

(The Hill) – The brewing war over redistricting is underscoring the increasing…
Hermès heir 'no longer holds' his stake, says fashion boss

Hermès Heir Reportedly Sells His Stake, Claims Fashion Executive

The billionaire heir of the luxury design house Hermès reportedly no longer…
Michelle Pfeiffer APOLOGIZES for attacking Bill Gates

Michelle Pfeiffer Issues Apology to Bill Gates After Recent Criticism

Iconic actress Michelle Pfeiffer has apologized to billionaire Bill Gates after she…
Female teacher in affluent Florida city accused of inappropriate relationship with teen girl

Female teacher in affluent Florida city accused of inappropriate relationship with teen girl

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Florida high school…
Tarantula mating season has begun: What to know

What You Need to Know About the Start of Tarantula Mating Season

() They’re creepy, crawly and coming to a state near you. Tarantula mating…
Vultures circle SNL as source reveals death knell

Rumors Circulate About the Imminent End of SNL

Saturday Night Live might be canceled by NBC when its long-time creator…