CLARKSVILLE, TN – A young boy’s life has been turned upside down after a traumatic event on a school bus left him in critical condition, unable to perform basic activities like speaking and walking. The incident, which took place on a Montgomery County school bus, involved a 12-year-old named Hayden Horton who was allegedly placed in a chokehold by an older student. This has led to a series of investigations into the inaction of two adults who were present on the bus.
Hayden’s mother, Jamie Horton, recalls her son as a lively and loving child, fond of video games and family gatherings. The ordeal began on October 11, when Hayden, a student at Kenwood Middle School, was riding home on a bus that also served high school students. It was during this ride that a 16-year-old reportedly attacked Hayden, while the bus driver and a school aide reportedly stood by without intervening.
Although Jamie has not seen the video of the incident, she has been informed by authorities that one of the adults used the expression “tap out,” a wrestling term, during the attack. Jamie is heartbroken and outraged, questioning why the adults entrusted with her son’s safety did not act to protect him.
Hayden’s condition worsened over the following days, leading to severe headaches and mobility problems. On October 20, he was taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where it was discovered he had suffered multiple strokes due to blood clots, prompting emergency brain surgery.
Medical professionals have linked Hayden’s strokes to a neck injury consistent with the reported chokehold. Jamie Horton is adamant that the assault on the bus precipitated her son’s medical emergency and is seeking justice and accountability from those responsible.
As Hayden begins his recovery, the family is preparing for the possibility of specialized rehabilitation out of state. They have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the significant medical costs they are facing.
The incident has sparked a wave of support and calls for justice within the community, as well as a broader discussion about the responsibilities of school employees in safeguarding students. Montgomery County officials are continuing their investigation, scrutinizing the conduct of the adults who were present during the incident.