Josue Nolasco: Parents mourn son, 13, who died after choking on his lunch at Virginia middle school
CHESTER FILED, VIRGINIA: A Virginia family is mourning after their 13-year-old son, Josue Nolasco, died after choking in his school cafeteria. Nexstar's WRIC spoke with Nolasco's family, who described him as a good kid always willing to help. Nolasco was rushed to a Richmond hospital on Wednesday, February 15, after experiencing a medical emergency.
Nolasco died over the weekend, according to WWBT. Lee Harvey, the boy's father, said, "He was too good for this world," and further added, "He was always kind. He was always polite." On Wednesday, February 15, Providence Middle School frantically called Josue's parents to let them know that their son had choked on his lunch and was being taken to the hospital, as reported by Sacbee. He apparently choked on a meatball.
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Josue's parents told the media, "They had told us that his brain spent 20 minutes without oxygen." Karina Nolasco, the teen's mother, told McClatchy News via Facebook messenger in Spanish that the period without oxygen lasted 40 minutes, as per reports.
'We want people to know this story'
Now, Josué's family members are telling news outlets that they are hoping to find out happened. They said, "We want people to know this story, principally because this pain that we feel, we don't want anyone else to go through this," Harvey told WTVR. "We need people who are capable at school to be able to have some type of training and know what to do in these kinds of emergencies," as reported by Newsobserver. The family told WRIC that Josue's memories are what will keep them going. Josue's mother said, "I feel so empty without you," as reported by Fox59.
Statement by Providence Middle School principal
On the night of Tuesday, February 21, Providence Middle School Principal MJ Rodney sent an alert to families. The statement read, "We will keep the family in our thoughts during this difficult time." The statement further added, "If this is a discussion that you would like to have with your child in your home tonight, we want to be supportive of the conversation as you talk with your child to reassure and support them as part of the grieving process," as per reports.
Community members have taken to leaving notes of compassion and encouragement on the family's front door. The community has also contributed over $8,000 to Josue's memorial. Chesterfield County Public Schools will provide students with support services.