ST. LOUIS — A local family is demanding answers after their kindergartener allegedly overdosed in class last week at a Ritenour school district elementary school.
Attorney Ben Tobin represents the 5-year-old and his family.
Tobin, a managing partner at Pratt & Tobin Personal Injury Lawyers, said his young client was at Marion Elementary School last Friday when he slumped over and passed out.
While the boy was revived with Narcan, the family wants to know why this happened in the first place.
Their attorney's main question now is "trying to figure out where the opioids came from," Tobin said.
Adding that the kindergartener remains groggy from what Tobin says was an opioid overdose. A medical emergency that happened last Friday.
When 5 On Your Side asked the Ritenour School District about the incident they sent us this letter that went out to parents on the day it happened which said in part:
"Recently, we have had reports of elementary-age students becoming sick after consuming unknown substances and items they believed to be candy but were possibly laced with unknown drugs."
Tobin emphasized that no opioids were in the child's house. His clients asking to remain anonymous at this time.
"It was obviously given to him or he obtained the opioid at school from somebody or somewhere so whether it's making sure that the playground is free and clear of sharp objects as well as potential drugs or hazardous things to students," Tobin said.
The school district's April 26 letter also told families that although the students became ill at the time, they have reportedly made a full recovery.
Also pointing to concerns about a growing national trend of unknown substances being found at schools.
The boy hasn't gone back to school in a week, Tobin shared. He may not at all the attorney stated depending on how safe his parents feel he is along with his two other siblings at Marion.
The district recommends parents talk to their children about not accepting any unknown substances at school.
If they do come in contact with something they're worried about, they should tell a teacher or school administrator.
Families can also call the district's anonymous Safeline 24/7 at 314-493-6205.