A 3-year-old boy who was discovered unresponsive by Robinson Independent School District transportation employees on the school bus Friday and died at a hospital Sunday evening, was reportedly found with a seatbelt wrapped around his neck, according to KWTX.com.
The boy was later identified as Leonardo Prado, a special needs student with Down syndrome who attended a preschool program near Waco, Texas.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and local police continue to investigate.
A Robinson Primary School Facebook post on Monday confirmed Prado’s death. “We are heartbroken to let you know that our young Rocket has passed away. We grieve with his parents and family and the Robinson community. Please continue praying for this precious family often as they face extremely difficult days ahead. Our counselors are available for students and staff.”
School officials had noted on Oct. 4 that, “The district is working with the Robinson PD in [its] investigation of this horrible tragedy.”
The Waco Tribune-Herald reported that local police received the call for help at 7:20 a.m. on Oct. 4, “when the child became unresponsive on a Robinson ISD school bus, Robinson Police Chief Phillip Prasifka said. Robinson Volunteer Fire Department members removed the boy, and first responders administered life-saving measures within minutes, Prasifka said.”
According to the article, the then-unidentified boy was revived as American Medical Response personnel arrived and took him to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center. Prado was later airlifted to McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple, Texas, where he died two days later, on Oct. 6.
A GoFundMe page has been posted for Prado’s family.
