Mom Claims School Employee Sent Son, 8, to Bathroom Alone While He Was Choking on Pineapple. He Died, and Now She’s Suing

In a tragic incident at a Clark County elementary school, an eight-year-old boy, Cruzito Ruiz, died after choking on a piece of pineapple. His mother, Amanda Corbala, has subsequently filed a federal lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of school staff that led to her son’s untimely death.

The events leading up to Cruzito’s death occurred on February 25, 2025, when he reportedly began choking during lunch at Bass Elementary School. According to the complaint submitted to the U.S. District Court in March 2026, Cruzito displayed clear signs of distress, including attempts to signal for help from his peers and a school official.

Surveillance footage reviewed by the family shows Cruzito struggling in the cafeteria at around 11:20 a.m. He is said to have approached a school staff member, attempting to draw attention to his situation by gesturing to his mouth. However, the complaint alleges that instead of providing assistance or calling for help, the official instructed Cruzito to go to a bathroom located away from the main area of the school.

The lawsuit claims that the school employee, who allegedly had been trained in CPR, failed to take appropriate action. Instead of intervening, they reportedly directed Cruzito to an isolated restroom, withdrawing support at a critical moment. “The official failed to radio for help, alert the school nurse, or inform any adult staff,” the complaint states, effectively leaving Cruzito alone during a life-threatening situation.

Once in the restroom, Cruzito collapsed and lost consciousness. Other students noticed his condition and alerted school staff, who then called emergency services. Paramedics arrived approximately 15 minutes after Cruzito began choking and were able to remove a large chunk of pineapple from his airway during a finger sweep.

After being rushed to a nearby hospital, Cruzito was diagnosed with an anoxic brain injury due to cardiac arrest brought on by the choking incident. Unfortunately, he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead a week later, on March 2, 2025.

Amanda Corbala has expressed profound grief over the loss of her son, describing his death as both premature and devastating. The complaint highlights the pain Cruzito endured in his final moments, alleging that he experienced approximately five minutes of suffering while isolated in the restroom. The family argues that the actions of the school employee not only caused the tragic loss but also restricted Cruzito’s access to immediate help.

In light of these allegations, Cruzito’s family is seeking unspecified damages for civil rights violations, as well as the emotional toll of losing a child. Legal representatives for the Ruiz family stated, “The family is heartbroken by the loss of their beloved Cruzito and wants to ensure this tragedy does not happen to anyone else.” They have expressed a commitment to holding the Clark County School District accountable for its role in the incident.

The Clark County School District has opted not to comment on the ongoing litigation, stating that it does not discuss matters that are currently before the courts. As the Ruiz family navigates this painful loss, they have requested privacy during this difficult time.

This case has raised crucial questions about safety protocols in schools and the responsibilities of staff members in emergency situations. The family’s intention to pursue justice serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilant care and immediate action to protect the well-being of students. In the wake of such a tragic event, it underscores the imperative for thorough training and responsive measures within educational environments.