Eight-year-old Adrian Thompson was visibly distressed inside her Texas primary school cafeteria, apparently choking as she moved around with her hands near her throat. But instead of immediately receiving choking first aid, the child was initially believed to be sick, guided towards a rubbish bin and asked whether she wanted to go to the toilet.
The heartbreaking surveillance footage from Velma Penny Elementary School in Lindale, Texas, has now been released by Adrian's parents, who say it raises serious questions about how their daughter's medical emergency was handled. The video shows Adrian leaving her lunch table at around 11:40am on 15 April, coughing and heaving before approaching an adult member of staff. Investigators said her movements appeared consistent with someone choking.
According to the Texas Rangers' investigation, the employee believed Adrian was unwell and directed her towards a rubbish bin. She was then asked whether she wanted to go to the toilet and nodded. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her returning just 13 seconds later before appearing distressed again. Moments afterwards, the eight-year-old ran from the cafeteria towards the school nurse's office, reaching it at approximately 11:42am.
Once there, the emergency response changed dramatically. The nurse told investigators that Adrian was pointing towards her mouth and attempting to speak before she began turning blue. The nurse performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, used an anti-choking device and later began CPR after Adrian collapsed. First responders subsequently continued emergency treatment.
Adrian was taken to hospital and later transferred to Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, but tragically died during the early hours of 16 April. The medical examiner ruled her death an accident caused by choking. A Texas Rangers investigation found no criminal offence under state law, although its report revealed that an adult-sized choking rescue device had been used rather than a child-sized one.
@recoveredmom1 Adrian Thompson died after choking at Velma Penny Elementary School in Lindale, Texas in April. Her death was ruled accidental and her parents are still fighting for answers @optical_anna #truecrimetok #truecrimestory #adrianthompson #texas #choking ♬ original sound - ConspiraTea
Six months later, Adrian's parents, Anna Thompson and Greg Sher, are still pushing for answers and changes in how schools respond to choking emergencies. Their daughter was remembered as a joyful and empathetic little girl who loved books, writing stories, helping her teachers and spending time with friends. Behind the investigation and disturbing footage is ultimately the loss of an eight-year-old child whose family believes lessons must be learned so another child does not face the same fate.