autism

Autistic Student Dies After Altercation With School Employees: Police

The 18-year-old student lost consciousness after being restrained by school employees following an altercation, police said.

An 18-year-old autistic student died Friday while on his way home from school.

San Bernardino resident Anthony Corona died after losing consciousness when school employees "restrained" him following an "altercation," according to the San Bernardino Police Department.

Corona, who attended Bright Futures Academy, a Riverside school serving special-needs students, got into an altercation with another student and school employees on the bus, police said.

The employees and the bus driver, who had exited the freeway to assist the employees, restrained Corona, who at "one point" lost consciousness, according to police. 

School employees performed CPR and called for "emergency medical aid." Corona was taken to St. Bernadine's Hospital, where he later died. 

The school issued a statement expressing its "deepest sympathy" to Corona's family, but said signs indicate its employees followed guidelines.

"At this time, our preliminary review indicates that all safety protocols were followed," the school said in a statement to NBC4.

The cause of Corona's death has not been determined, pending an autopsy report, police said.

Homicide detectives within the San Bernardino Police Department are investigating Corona's death. 

School officials could not immediately be reached for further comment.

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