Tragedy at Henry Clay High School: Student dies after breaking up on-campus bathroom fight

The death of 17-year-old student Emmanuel Mwakadi, who complained of pain after intervening in a fight at Henry Clay High School on Friday and was subsequently taken to the hospital, is currently under investigation, according to local officials and the family’s attorney. The Fayette County Coroner’s office confirmed Emmanuel's identity on Sunday. The investigation is ongoing, and no foul play is suspected, according to coroner officials. Emmanuel passed away at UK Chandler Hospital on Friday.

Justin Peterson, the family’s attorney, shared that Emmanuel intervened in a fight during the transition between first and second period on Friday. He complained of head and neck injuries after the incident, attended second period, and then experienced a medical event that led to emergency medical attention, ultimately collapsing and losing consciousness in the classroom.

Responding to a call of a seizure, the Lexington Fire Department was dispatched to the school at 10:09 a.m. on Friday. Peterson mentioned that they would investigate whether the bathroom incident, any treatment delays, adequacy of treatment, or a combination of these factors contributed to Emmanuel's death.

As of Sunday night, Lexington Police officials had not confirmed a formal investigation. Peterson stated his intention to contact the police, along with representatives from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Fayette County Public Schools, to pursue clarity.

Emphasizing the family’s concern over a lack of communication from the school, Peterson highlighted that no school representative had reached out to discuss the incident or offer condolences. In response, Fayette County Public Schools district spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith stated that school officials had been in constant contact with the family since the medical crisis occurred, extending sincere condolences on behalf of the school district.