ABC 57 SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A lawsuit was filed against the South Bend Community School Corporation on Sept. 30 over the 2023 death of John Adams High School freshman Aniya Tharbs.
Aniya Tharbs
The suit was filed by the student's parents, who alleged the district failed to provide appropriate aid to their daughter during a medical episode at school.
The defendants, John Adams High School, SBCSC, the City of South Bend, and St. Joseph County, have all been subpoenaed.
ABC57 has asked SBCSC's lawyer for a comment on this new litigation.
We'll update this story as more information becomes available.
SBCSC released the following statement on Oct. 2, 2023, regarding Tharbs' death:
"It is with great sadness that we share the news about the loss of a student. This morning a freshman from Adams High School passed away in an isolated health-related incident. The student received immediate medical attention at school and was then transported to the hospital.
Our hearts go out to the family as well as the staff and students at Adams High School. We are also grateful for our first responders. While we are grieving, we are doing everything we can to support all students, as we know this will have a profound effect on the Adams student body. We will provide an opportunity for students to discuss and work through issues related to the grieving process. Our staff will continue to be available to help students with additional social workers on site.
If you need assistance, please contact the administrators at Adams High School. Our school counselors and social workers can provide a list of school and community resources.
South Bend Community School Corporation"
