SAN ANTONIO – An instructional assistant who was seriously injured in a Brandeis High School classroom earlier this month has died.
Alfred “Mr. Fred” Jimenez, 73, died at a hospital over the weekend from injuries he sustained on the morning of Feb. 7 in a class of students with severe learning and emotional disabilities.
“The injury occurred while the employee was attempting to redirect a student. In the course of the interaction with the student, the employee fell to the floor and sustained a head injury,” said district spokesman Barry Perez.
According to the district, Jimenez was employed by NISD since 2014.
“The entire Bronco family is grieving his loss. His impact on the campus was far reaching and impacted students and staff both in and out of the classroom,” a letter co-signed by the principal and district superintendent stated.
“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. We ask that you keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
A former NISD instructor who several years ago worked in the same school as Jimenez said she was heartbroken to hear what happened. She shared what she experienced.
“On an everyday basis you would be kicked you would spit on. You would be scratched. You would be punched. You would have to run after these children,” she said.
KSAT reporter John Paul Barajas questioned: “How do you manage that on a daily basis?
“Well, I don’t work there anymore. Does that answer that question?” the woman said.
WATCH: Former NISD instructor shares what she endured after instructional assistant dies from serious injury by student
Perez said Northside ISD police are investigating the incident into Jimenez’s death, and campus administrators are following the district’s Student Code of Conduct.