A Tragic Loss in the Classroom
A Nevada mother, Amanda Corbala, is suing the Clark County School District following the tragic death of her 8-year-old son, Cruzito Ruiz. Cruzito was found unresponsive in a bathroom at Bass Elementary School on February 25, 2025, after choking on a piece of pineapple. The lawsuit alleges that a school official failed to recognize Cruzito’s distress and did not provide necessary assistance, contributing to his death.
Timeline of the Incident
According to the legal complaint, Cruzito was seen in the school cafeteria showing signs of distress, attempting to slap his back and signaling for help. Despite these clear indications that he was choking, the school official allegedly directed Cruzito to a bathroom without providing any immediate emergency care, such as CPR or calling for help.
Shortly after entering the bathroom, Cruzito collapsed and turned blue. Students immediately notified staff, and paramedics arrived approximately 15 minutes later. Upon their arrival, they discovered that a large piece of pineapple had blocked his airway. The lack of prompt intervention led to Cruzito suffering an anoxic brain injury caused by cardiac arrest from the choking.
The Aftermath of the Tragedy
Cruzito never regained consciousness after the incident and was declared dead on March 2, 2025. His mother, Amanda Corbala, is devastated by the loss of her son, particularly as she believes Cruzito endured significant pain and fear before he passed.
In her lawsuit, Corbala claims that the school official’s failure to act prevented Cruzito from receiving the timely emergency intervention that could have saved his life. The lawsuit seeks damages for civil rights violations, loss of companionship, and grief, though no specific amount is mentioned.
School District’s Response
The Clark County School District has not yet issued a statement regarding the ongoing litigation, declining to comment on the pending matter. The district’s silence has added to the frustration and grief felt by Cruzito’s family, who continue to seek justice for their son.
