UPDATE: Federal Investigation Launched After 9 Year Old's Death
By: Evan Hoffmeyer
Updated: January 28, 2011
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has launched a federal investigation into the death of a nine-year-old Bentonville boy.
Jonathan Nelson was killed Wednesday afternoon when a soccer goal post fell on him during recess. Apparently some other students were leaning against the goal when it -- and they -- toppled over onto Jonathan, fracturing his skull.
Two school nurses treated him until paramedics could arrive and take him to Northwest Medical Center.
He died from his injuries a short time later.
His tragic death already spurred investigations by Bentonville Police and school administrators.
Of the district's 36 soccer goals, only six were anchored to the ground. Old goals have been thrown out and newer ones are now anchored in hopes of preventing another playground tragedy.
Bentonville Public Schools Superintendent Gary Compton says he doesn't know how many of them were purchased by administrators.
"They might have been donated by parent organizations over the years," Compton said. "They may have been donated by soccer clubs who like to use the open space for their practices."
Meanwhile, support continues pouring in from across the area for Jonathan's family.
"My heart goes out to his family," said Ruth Akana, a parent at Elm Tree Elementary. "It's just a tragic accident and it can happen anywhere."
Flags flew at half staff Thursday at Elm Tree and counselors were on hand to help students, faculty and parents needing support.
Bentonville police tell our sister station KNWA that their preliminary investigation shows it appears to have been an accident but they will question students who were also on the playground at the time to see how it all began.
Jonathan Nelson was killed Wednesday afternoon when a soccer goal post fell on him during recess. Apparently some other students were leaning against the goal when it -- and they -- toppled over onto Jonathan, fracturing his skull.
Two school nurses treated him until paramedics could arrive and take him to Northwest Medical Center.
He died from his injuries a short time later.
His tragic death already spurred investigations by Bentonville Police and school administrators.
Of the district's 36 soccer goals, only six were anchored to the ground. Old goals have been thrown out and newer ones are now anchored in hopes of preventing another playground tragedy.
Bentonville Public Schools Superintendent Gary Compton says he doesn't know how many of them were purchased by administrators.
"They might have been donated by parent organizations over the years," Compton said. "They may have been donated by soccer clubs who like to use the open space for their practices."
Meanwhile, support continues pouring in from across the area for Jonathan's family.
"My heart goes out to his family," said Ruth Akana, a parent at Elm Tree Elementary. "It's just a tragic accident and it can happen anywhere."
Flags flew at half staff Thursday at Elm Tree and counselors were on hand to help students, faculty and parents needing support.
Bentonville police tell our sister station KNWA that their preliminary investigation shows it appears to have been an accident but they will question students who were also on the playground at the time to see how it all began.
