IE Student Critically Injured After Alleged Blindfold Experiment Fall

A Temecula school student was critically injured after plunging from the second story while taking part in a blindfold test to simulate being blind, according to students.

Osmani Leyva is said to have fell from a railing and down some stairs at Temecula Valley High School at around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The junior was taken to the hospital after suffering head injuries during the accident, which is said to have occurred during an assignment that saw students led around blindfolded or with their eyes closed.

"I just saw him walking around with a blindfold paper towels covering his eyes for an anatomy project… and I saw him with no guide," student Corey Williams said.

Parent Robin Griffin said her daughter had given her the same version of events.

"She said that they were doing some type of experiment in the class and that kids were blindfolded and that they were supposed to have partners, "Griffin said. "They were up on the second story and the kid fell over on the second story."

However another eyewitness, who did not want to be identified, said he did not see him wearing a blindfold.

"He was on the railing then he kind of like… slipped off so he like ended up falling backwards and falling down the stars," the student said.

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Parents have complained the school has not been forthcoming in sharing information about the accident.

"I feel terrible I hope he is ok and there are some concerns about supervision. That is an issue," mother Tammy Cheek said.

The Temecula Valley Unified School District cited privacy concerns as the reason more information as not being shared.

"Due to privacy rights, we cannot provide any other information. District personnel (was) on site to assist students and staff," a spokesman said.

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