Southern California

Family Files Claim After OC Special Needs Student Dies in School Cart Crash

The family of an autistic boy who died in a golf cart crash at a Southern California high school has filed a claim against the district.

Authorities say 15-year-old Emanuel Perez suffered major injuries in the crash Monday at El Modena High School in Orange. He died at a hospital.

The Orange County Register reported Friday that the claim by the teen's family says the Orange Unified School District was negligent and caused his death. The district responded that it has video of the scene leading up to the crash showing he was never left unattended.

The district says Perez was under supervision by an aide at the time of the incident, and that others tried to stop him when he got on the cart, which was reserved for staff.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us