Texas Middle School Students Got Second-Degree Burns Doing Bear Crawls on Hot Track, Parents Say: ‘Just Straight Torture’

**Texas Middle School Students Suffer Second-Degree Burns During Bear Crawl Challenge**

Several students at Woodville Middle School in Tyler, Texas, endured severe injuries during a pre-athletics class on Monday, May 19. According to reports from 12 News Now, CBS Austin, and KTRE, a group of sixth-grade boys claim their coach allowed them to participate in a TikTok challenge that involved bear crawling on the school’s scorching track, which had a temperature soaring to 140 degrees.

Some students sustained burns from the intense heat, with several requiring medical attention at local emergency centers and hospitals. The severity of the burns led some students to be transferred to Shriners Burn Hospital in Galveston, Texas. The incident has triggered investigations by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Woodville Police Department, and Woodville Independent School District.

One parent, Cassie George, expressed her dismay to CBS Austin, revealing that her two sons were among those injured. She recounted how one son suffered first-degree burns, while the other endured second-degree burns. George described the injuries as not mere cuts or bruises but actual burns, expressing anger over the ordeal and labelling it as torture for the kids involved.

The alarming account shared by George included details of the coach’s alleged remarks to the students, indicating they needed toughening up and mocking anyone unable to complete the challenge. The coach had already resigned prior to the incident, with his last day scheduled to coincide with the end of the school term. Following the events on May 19, the coach was advised not to return to the school campus by the Woodville Independent School District (ISD).

Woodville ISD Superintendent Lisa F. Meysembourg acknowledged the incident, citing a past 2019 occurrence that prompted guidelines against bear crawls on the track. The superintendent extended apologies to the affected families and stressed that such actions were unacceptable and would not be tolerated within the district. The ISD has initiated a comprehensive internal review and is working closely with law enforcement to address the matter seriously.

Woodville Police Department Chief Mike McCulley expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation given the numerous parental complaints and the seriousness of the burns sustained by the students. The police department is collaborating with the District Attorney to determine potential criminal charges in light of the coach’s actions.

Efforts to seek comments from Woodville ISD, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and Woodville Police Department were met with no immediate responses. The incident has evoked strong reactions from the community and underscored the importance of prioritizing student safety and well-being within educational settings.

As investigations continue into the harrowing incident at Woodville Middle School, authorities are focused on ensuring accountability and preventing such reckless actions from recurring. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities and duties entrusted to educators and the critical need for vigilance in safeguarding students from harm.

At the heart of this distressing event lies a call for greater oversight, stringent safety measures, and a renewed commitment to upholding the welfare of students in schools. The repercussions of this incident reverberate throughout the community, igniting conversations on accountability, oversight, and the fundamental duty to protect the youth under our care.