Kody Townsend death: Boy, 10, dies after choking at Clissold Elementary School, family sues Chicago Public Schools for negligence

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 10-year-old boy died after he choked on food at a Chicago school, according to his family.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Parents Travis and Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said their son Kody Townsend had an Individual Education Plan due to seizures and a developmental delay that required constant supervision at school.

The Clissold Elementary School student died on October 18, according to a new lawsuit issued by the family.

“Some people are like ‘oh you’ll get over it.’ When? How? Because I can’t,” Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said.

Kody’s parents said he was the family jokester, helper and always knew what people needed.

“I loved my son Kody,” Travis Townsend said. “I miss him dearly we all miss dearly.”

The parents allege in the lawsuit that he wasn’t supervised when he choked on food at school and later died at a local hospital.

“No parent should send their kid to school and not see them the next,” Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said.

10-year-old Kody Townsend died after he choked on food at a Chicago school, according to his family.

10-year-old Kody Townsend died after he choked on food at a Chicago school, according to his family.

The family filed a lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools, the school board and the city alleging negligence in Kody’s death.

The lawsuit alleges that the response from the school staff complicated his condition.

“I want his story to be heard, and I want people and staff to be taken accountable.” Mother Lakeisha Jones-Townsend said. “They need to be held accountable for what happened to Kody.”

Chicago Public Schools issued the following statement:

“Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of our students. The district does not provide comments on ongoing litigation.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Audio released of moment Idaho firefighters ambushed while responding to blaze: 'Emergency situation'

The person believed to be the shooter in the attack on an Idaho firefighter has been named

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The alleged sniper who…
Video shows what led up to Chicago shooting at Douglass Park that killed Marjay Dotson, injured Laquan McDonald's cousin

Video reveals events before fatal Chicago shooting at Douglass Park that claimed Marjay Dotson’s life and wounded Laquan McDonald’s relative

CHICAGO (WLS) — New video shows what led up to a deadly…
Factory worker dies 'trapped' in industrial oven in horrifying accident

Tragic accident claims the life of factory worker trapped in industrial oven

A Missouri factory worker suffered a horrific death after getting stuck inside…
Lifeguard Charles Leto charged in Douglass Park shooting appears in court; Laquan McDonald's cousin injured, Marjay Dotson killed

Lifeguard Charles Leto, the accused in the shooting at Douglass Park, is seen in court; Laquan McDonald’s relative injured, and Marjay Dotson is dead

A lifeguard involved in a fatal shooting at a park on the…
Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella dead: Gang member who killed Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz' dies at Coxsackie Correctional Facility

Gang Member Responsible for Killing Lesandro ‘Junior’ Guzman-Feliz Dies in Prison

NEW YORK — The individual who was a member of a gang…
Play about 'gay' Prince George causes outrage: Off-Broadway show depicts 11-year-old's fictionalised future using drugs and engaging in BDSM - as audiences say it's 'creepy fan-fic'

Controversial Off-Broadway Show Sparks Outrage with Depiction of Fictional Future for Prince George

A controversial production in off-Broadway revolves around depicting the future of Prince…
Haunting audio reveals firefighter's final moments as Idaho sniper unleashed terror on anniversary of terrifying local incident

Spine-chilling recording captures firefighter’s last moments during Idaho sniper attack on tragic local anniversary

Two firefighters in Idaho were fatally shot by a sniper on the…
‘The Gilded Age’ Introduces Broadway Hunk Jordan Donica as Peggy Scott’s New Love Interest, Dr. William Kirkland

Broadway Heartthrob Jordan Donica Joins ‘The Gilded Age’ as Dr. William Kirkland, Love Interest of Peggy Scott

Denée Benton’s character Peggy Scott may have found the perfect romantic match…
Mount Rushmore experts reveal if Trump can be added to the iconic monument - as sculptor's granddaughter gives blunt response

Mount Rushmore specialists discuss the possibility of adding Trump to the famous monument, while the granddaughter of the sculptor provides a direct answer.

Donald Trump’s aspiration to have his face carved into Mount Rushmore is…
Anti-Trump Republican Don Bacon won't run for reelection amid GOP civil war

Republican Don Bacon, critical of Trump, decides not to seek reelection during party division

A Republican representing a key swing congressional district will not run for reelection…
When Will ‘The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ Reunion Drop On Hulu?

What time will ‘The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ reunion be available on Hulu?

Hulu has heard the pleas of fans eagerly awaiting the third season…
Clean-cut star of two iconic 1990s movies looks VERY different today...can you guess who?

Guess Who the Star of Two Famous 1990s Movies Looks Like Now!

He starred in two iconic 1990s movies, was the voice of a…