Introduction to a Tragic Event
A banner in remembrance of Marshall Middle School student Landon Payton, who died on August 14, 2024, is displayed near the campus marquee in Houston. More than 10 months after his passing, his family still seeks answers about what exactly happened to the 14-year-old student.
The Ongoing Investigation
The family’s attorney, Chris Tritico, has enlisted a medical expert to study the autopsy report completed by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Unfortunately, the report could not definitively determine Payton’s cause of death. Tritico expressed his concerns, stating, "We don’t know what it is, at this point, that killed him." He is waiting for his own expert’s analysis, as the medical examiner’s report left him with unanswered questions.
The Role of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
A key question for Tritico is whether Payton’s life could have been saved by an AED, a device required at all public schools in Texas to treat sudden cardiac arrest. The president of the Houston Federation of Teachers reported that a school employee attempted to use an AED on Payton, but it was not functioning. Houston ISD acknowledged that 170 of its 1,000-plus AEDs were not working at the time of Payton’s death. Records show that the AED in the Marshall Middle School gym had expired electrode pads during an inspection three months prior to Payton’s death, and it is unclear whether those pads were replaced before the incident.
Autopsy Report Findings
The autopsy report revealed that Payton had no significant past medical history and was reported to have seizure-like activity before collapsing. No abnormalities of the brain or heart were found. However, Payton was discovered to have chronic kidney damage, although it was not significant enough to be considered causal in his death. He also had genetic predispositions to malignant hyperthermia and epileptic encephalopathies, which could have been contributing factors.
Comparison to a Similar Case
Tritico drew a comparison to the case of NFL player Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field during a game in 2023 and was resuscitated with an AED. Hamlin has the same genetic issue that Payton had, and he has since recovered and returned to playing football. Tritico emphasized that if Payton’s genetic disorder was the cause of his death, a functioning AED could have potentially saved his life.
The Family’s Ongoing Struggle
The lack of clarity surrounding Payton’s death has made the loss especially difficult for his family. They continue to seek solace and closure, but the uncertainty has left them "grappling for answers" and "reeling still." Tritico stated that the family is "crushed" and still seeking answers, highlighting the need for further investigation and potential legal action.
Conclusion
The case of Landon Payton’s death remains a tragic and puzzling event, with many unanswered questions. As the investigation continues, the family and their attorney seek to uncover the truth about what happened to the 14-year-old student. The incident has raised important questions about the role of AEDs in schools and the need for proper maintenance and functioning of these life-saving devices. Ultimately, the family hopes to find closure and justice, and to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again in the future.
