He left the practice field like any other freshman.
Moments later, he collapsed on the steps — his heart reportedly stopping en route to the hospital.

In Tuscumbia, 14-year-old August Borden suffered devastating injuries following a football workout, including a skull fracture and serious brain trauma. Authorities later classified the incident as an accident, and no charges were filed, even after reports that another student had bear-hugged him shortly beforehand. An independent review supported the ruling, though his family maintains lingering questions remain.

As August continues intensive rehabilitation, the community is left balancing official conclusions with ongoing concern — hoping for healing while still seeking clarity.

Parents want answers after son severely injured at high school: ‘A lot of different stories’

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Tuscumbia police are investigating after a student at Deshler High School was severely injured, and his parents want answers. (Source: WAFF)

By Noah Cowell and Emily Van de Riet

Published: Aug. 26, 2025 at 3:28 AM GMT+7

TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WAFF/Gray News) – Parents and friends of a high school student in Alabama are demanding answers after he was severely injured at school last week.

August Borden’s mom and stepdad posted on social media that their son was severely injured at Deshler High School on Tuesday afternoon.

They say August, who is a freshman and football player at the school, received CPR before being airlifted to Birmingham.

They say he sustained multiple skull fractures, facial fractures, and he wasn’t conscious for two days.

Thankfully, after a few days in the hospital, he is back home and recovering.

August Borden’s mom and stepdad posted on social media that their son was severely injured at Deshler High School on Tuesday afternoon.(Family photos via WAFF)

But August’s biological father, Jason Borden, says he hasn’t gotten a straight answer on what happened that day.

He says some people told him August fell down some stairs, while others say he was attacked by another student.

Borden took his concerns to Tuscumbia police, who then started an investigation.

Police haven’t been able to speak with August because he can’t talk yet due to his injuries.

“We’ve not interviewed the student because of his medical issues. As soon as we can talk to him, it will clarify a lot,” Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan said.

Logan says that until they talk to August, they have no evidence pointing to any criminal activity.

Logan says he feels the school leaders have been very cooperative.

Tuscumbia Mayor William Foster said in a statement that the initial 911 call was for a fall.

“The initial report was the injury was due to a fall, CPR was in progress, and the child was having a seizure. A helicopter was called in for air evacuation,” the mayor said.

He continued:

“August’s recollection of the events is scant at best. He describes Tuesday as a blackout. Our Tuscumbia investigators, led by Chief Tony Logan, have been busy with their investigation and gathering all the facts as respectfully as possible, particularly regarding the hurt young man and his distressed family, and within the bounds of the law.

“We are determined to get to the bottom of this case. The initial 911 call was a medical call. It was not a criminal call. The initial report was that August fell. Some have said he fell off the bleachers, some say down some stairs in a building, some have said he fell down some stairs outside a building. As you can see, there are a lot of different stories, and the stories differ even within those who were there when August got hurt.”

August’s friends want answers, too.

“I was shocked. I just didn’t want to believe that it was August,” a close friend said. “I was like, ‘No way.’”

The friend, who is a sophomore at Deshler High School, says August is like a brother to her and has made such a big impact on her and many others. She’s relieved to hear that August will be OK, but she can’t imagine who would want to hurt him.

“Everybody loves August. August is the type of person, like, if you need something, he’s got you,” she said. “If you need a dollar in the lunch line and you don’t have it, ‘Oh, here’s two bucks. Go buy yourself a drink.’ He is the kid that everyone should want to be friends with.”