Lawsuit to be announced following death of 16-year-old Menchville student

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – A lawsuit is expected to be announced Thursday afternoon against the Newport News School system and the city in response to the death of a 16-year-old Menchville High School student in February .

Civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump claims that 16-year-old Kaleiah Jones — who collapsed from a cardiac issue at Menchville High School — was left without critical medical care on Feb. 20, 2024.

Jones’ family alleges gross negligence by school officials and staff led to her preventable death. Her mother, Keyonna Stewart, told 10 On Your Side that her daughter was passed out on the ground for nine minutes before CPR was rendered by a police officer.

At the time, Jones, who had a known medical condition, had just recently had surgery. Stewart claims the school was aware and was given documentation for Jones’ accommodations.

Crump, alongside co-council Mark Krudys and Jones’ family, plans to hold a news conference outside the Newport News Circuit Courthouse around 1:30 p.m.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates .

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