Full Breakdown
Texas High School Settles Lawsuit Over Autistic Student’s Fatal Choking Incident
6/1/2026, 12:34:39 AM
Fatal Choking Incident at Stratford High School
In February 2023, 13-year-old Sebastian Romo, who had severe autism and Williams-Beuren Deletion Syndrome, swallowed a rubber glove in Stratford High School’s Life Skills classroom, began choking in the gym, and died after several days in a coma.
Background and Prior Safety Concerns
Romo required supervision; earlier incidents included swallowing tissue paper and a binder clip that led to hospitalization and intubation. He was isolated in a makeshift caged area and was not given his usual chewable toy on the day he choked.
Key Individuals and Organizations
The case involves student Sebastian Romo and his parents; a speech-language pathology assistant employed by Soliant Health and assigned to Stratford High School; Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), which operates the school; and the Houston Chronicle, which reported SBISD’s comment.
Timeline of Incident and Legal Proceedings
Feb 2023 – Romo chokes on a rubber glove and is hospitalized. Feb 2025 – Parents file a negligence lawsuit. May 19 2025 – SBISD and the staffer settle; the court had dismissed most claims.
Impact on Special-Education Supervision
The incident underscores deficiencies in monitoring high-risk students, the need for clear policies on disposal of medical gloves, and potential liability for districts relying on informal staff practices.
Official Statements & Responses
SBISD told the Houston Chronicle it denies wrongdoing, notes that most claims were dismissed by the court, and declined further comment out of respect for the family’s privacy. Settlement terms were not disclosed.
Criticism and Opposition from Parents
The complaint alleges staff ignored repeated warnings, failed to give Romo his chewable toy, left rubber gloves within reach, and neglected duties while chatting and using a cellphone, describing the oversight as “mortal and reckless.”
On-the-Ground Observations
Surveillance footage shows Romo in visible distress, stumbling, falling, crawling on his knees, and repeatedly bringing his hands to his mouth. Staff were seen huddled together; the assistant only looked up after Romo fell, and no CPR or Heimlich maneuver was attempted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
SBISD’s denial of wrongdoing conflicts with the parents’ allegations of negligence. While the court dismissed most claims, the settlement amount and any internal investigations remain undisclosed, leaving key facts unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
"Despite it being available, he was not provided his chewy toy by staff," — Parents' complaint
"Like the SBISD employees, she neglected her duties," — Parents' complaint
"[Sebastian] would eventually trip and fall over another student sitting on the floor adjacent to [the staffer]. Only upon [Sebastian] falling, did [the staffer] then look up from her cellphone." — Parents' complaint
"The district denies wrongdoing in this tragic incident, and the court dismissed most of the family's claims against SBISD. We do not have further comment out of respect for the privacy of the family." — SBISD spokesperson
What's Next
SBISD has not disclosed settlement details, but the case may prompt district-wide reviews of special-education supervision, glove disposal protocols, and staff training on student safety. Advocacy groups have called for legislative oversight of similar incidents.
