Video display board falls on 5-year-old at Florida school, killing him; family demands answers

PALM BAY, Fla. -- A Brevard County family is demanding answers after a 120-pound video display board fell on a 5-year-old student at a Palm Bay elementary school Wednesday, killing him.

Brevard Public Schools said the boy, who was identified by his family as Bellamy Dawkins-Morris, was seriously injured after the large display board fell on him at Riviera Elementary School around 11:36 a.m. School staff immediately called 911 and began emergency lifesaving measures before Bellamy was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

'We need answers' Family members spoke with WESH 2 just hours after Bellamy's death, saying they are devastated and searching for answers.

"We're expecting him to be safe. He didn't return to us," Bellamy's great-aunt, Miriam Rodriguez, said. "My emotions, my sadness has subsided, and I am angry. We need answers, and we need them immediately."

Investigation ongoing Palm Bay Police Deputy Chief Nicholas Szczepanski said the department's Special Victims Unit and Major Case Unit are investigating.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to everybody that was involved in this tragic accident," Szczepanski said.

Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell said he met with Bellamy's family shortly after the child's death.

"We lost a life today, a precious young life. There are no words to describe that loss," Rendell said. "I've been doing this for over 30 years, and I really couldn't find the words to share with them my grief and the grief that all of us have."

According to Bellamy's family, his mother was told he was moving the display board back and forth while other students were lining up before it tipped over and fell on him. The family said Bellamy had autism and questioned whether the display board was properly secured and whether enough supervision was provided.

"He's on the spectrum. When he sees things in motion, he's gonna keep pushing it to keep it in motion. That's just something that children on the spectrum do," Miriam Rodriguez said. "Obviously, the monitor was not secure, and that's a huge issue. That could have been anybody's child. (...) There's no reason that that is not bolted to the wall or however. There is no reason there should be any movement."

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Bellamy's grandmother, Christy Rodriguez Bruno, said the family believed he should have been safe at school.

"He was supposed to be in a safe place enjoying his little five-year-old self. And now we don't have him coming home, and my daughter shall never be the same," she said.

Another great-aunt, Melissa Rodriguez, said the family believes Bellamy's death could have been prevented.

"I'm angry because it could have been prevented if they were paying attention to him. I'm not saying he doesn't do things that he shouldn't do, but this child did not deserve to not be here anymore," she said.

As investigators work to determine exactly what happened, Bellamy's family said it is seeking accountability and legal counsel.

"This is not a slap on the wrist. This is not a broken leg. We lost our baby today because of this, and I need everybody to understand the severity of this. He's not coming back," Miriam Rodriguez said.

In a statement, Brevard Public Schools said, in part, "We are devastated by this unimaginable loss. Our deepest condolences are with the student's family, loved ones, classmates, and everyone in our school community who is grieving."

The district said counseling and additional support services will be available for students and staff in the coming days.

WESH 2 has asked Brevard Public Schools and the Palm Bay Police Department about the family's questions and concerns, including classroom supervision and the display board involved in the incident, but has not yet received a response.

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