A mother is suing after her autistic son tragically passed away following a head injury sustained in what she described as a “makeshift classroom prison”. Joshua Sikes, aged 11, died in his sleep due to brain death resulting from the head trauma that occurred in the classroom. Reports indicate that Joshua, while confined in a structure made of bookcases, bookshelves, and heavy-duty straps, expressed his longing for his mother before the fatal incident.
The lawsuit, filed against special education provider Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP) by Julie Xirau, alleges that Joshua was left restrained and secluded, leading to his self-inflicted injuries. It is claimed that SECEP staff failed to intervene as Joshua’s condition worsened. Julie was informed to collect Joshua from school on October 31, 2024, after reports of misbehavior, preventing him from going trick-or-treating, which left him distressed due to his communication limitations.
Julie discovered Joshua’s deteriorating state the following day, leading her to seek medical attention. Tragically, Joshua passed away in his sleep on November 3, 2024, before receiving specialized care, with Julie finding him lifeless in his bed. The lawsuit seeks $150 million in damages from SECEP and four staff members for their alleged negligence in providing timely medical assistance and disclosing the incident to Julie.
Local authorities have investigated the incident and Joshua’s death, with no evidence found to implicate the staff members as responsible. An obituary described Joshua’s vibrant spirit and love for simple joys like playing with toys and exploring the park. Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP) has been contacted for comments on the matter.