Florida Boy, 5, Dies After Smart Display Board Falls on Him in Classroom

A five-year-old boy in Florida died after a smart classroom display board fell on him during class, according to a 911 call. Bellamy Dawkins-Morris was struck by a Promethean board at Riviera Elementary School in Palm Bay on October 7.

The distressed caller, identified as the boy's teacher, told 911 dispatchers that Dawkins-Morris "took the Promethean board off the wall and it landed on him." The teacher also stated she had previously asked for the board to be tightened.

Approximately one minute into the call, the teacher informed dispatchers that Dawkins-Morris, who was autistic, was unresponsive. School staff attempted life-saving measures, and the boy was transported to a medical center where resuscitation efforts continued. He was later pronounced dead.

Promethean boards are interactive display screens used in classrooms. Their weight varies by size, with 55-inch models weighing up to approximately 65 pounds and 86-inch models weighing nearly 150 pounds, according to the company. These boards are typically installed using wall mounts or brackets and anchors.

The family has hired legal counsel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. "The biggest question is, how did this happen?" their lawyer, Maegan Bridwell, told WFTV. "How did an interactive piece of technology injure and kill a student? How did it come off the wall? How was it allowed to come off the wall? Why did this happen?"

Bridwell stated their focus is on identifying anyone responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of the equipment. "Our job now that we’ve been retained by the family is to identify anyone who was responsible for not only the design, but the installation and the maintenance of this heavy, heavy equipment installed in our classrooms," she said.

Brevard Public Schools issued a statement to WESH 2, indicating that inspections of over 3,000 boards had been completed with no pattern of improper installations found. The district stated it was awaiting the final inspection report.

Bellamy's mother, Dejia Naomi, shared her grief on Facebook, describing her son as the "most bubbly child" who loved music and was making strides with his autism. "My soul hurts. You're such a big part of who I am; I lost a huge part of me," she wrote. "Never in a million years did I think I'd be forced to outlive you."

Promethean expressed its condolences, stating it was "heartbroken by the death of a child" and that "no words can ease the pain of such a loss." The company has launched an investigation into the incident and pledged full cooperation with authorities.