Teaching Assistant Killed During Altercation with Student

A special needs teaching assistant at a Texas high school has passed away after an interaction with a student, according to officials.

Alfred Jimenez, 73, worked at Brandeis High School since 2014. Everyone knew him as “Mr. Fred.”

Jimenez passed away on Feb. 17, 10 days after falling to the floor and suffering a head injury while dealing with a student in a special needs classroom.

Northside ISD Police are investigating the incident.

District officials said around 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 7, Jimenez was trying to redirect the student and during this interaction, he fell and hit his head. They described the classroom where the incident happened as the campus’ Applied Learning Environment (ALE) classroom – a room designed to “meet the needs of students with the most severe learning disabilities on campus.”

Officials said campus staff was on the scene immediately and Jimenez was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The Northside Superintendent and the Brandeis High School principal released a joint statement:

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Jimenez Family during this challenging time. We remain dedicated to providing support to Mrs. Jimenez and her family. In addition, counselors will also be available to support students and staff at the campus,” said Dr. John Craft, Superintendent of NISD, and Dr. Geri Berger, principal of Brandeis High School, in a statement.