Madison, Alabama, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Madison County District Attorney’s Office announced the closure of the criminal case involving August Borden from Deshler High School, labeling the incident a ‘freak accident.’ No charges will be filed, as the investigation revealed no evidence of assault and confirmed there was no malice involved. Borden, who suffered serious injuries from a slip and fall, is currently recovering from his injuries amid community support, following protests for justice.
Madison, Alabama
The Madison County District Attorney’s Office announced that the criminal case regarding August Borden, a freshman at Deshler High School, is closed and will not result in any charges. The District Attorney, Robert Broussard, characterized the incident as a “freak accident,” dismissing speculation surrounding the matter.
Broussard addressed several rumors and conspiracy theories, stating there was no evidence to suggest an assault had taken place. He clarified that the incident involved “typical high school banter” and limited physical contact, with no malice intended. This conclusion was drawn after a thorough investigation led by Chief Deputy District Attorney Tim Gann, Chief Investigator Jim Cook, and Investigator Chad Hargin.
Details of the Incident
The Madison County DA’s Office took over the investigation due to a conflict of interest in Colbert County. During the investigation, at least 17 interviews were conducted, including 8 eyewitness accounts. Borden and another unnamed student involved had a friendly relationship and confirmed they had no prior issues before the incident.
The incident occurred as the football team was walking from a workout at the Armory to the field house for film study. While walking, the unnamed student bear-hugged Borden, causing Borden to cough or make a “weird sound” before fainting. Witnesses reported that Borden slipped and fell, striking his head on uneven concrete steps, resulting in serious injuries. Borden fell to the ground without hands to protect himself.
After hitting the ground, Borden went into a seizure. A coach and an adult witness provided immediate aid and called first responders. Following stabilization, Borden was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. All witnesses provided consistent accounts of the events, each offering different perspectives.
No Evidence of Assault
The DA’s Office recovered real-time text messages from students to their parents that described the incident. Findings indicated that there was no evidence to support allegations of assault or reckless behavior. The District Attorney noted there was “zero ill will” involved in the circumstances leading up to Borden’s injuries.
Community Reactions
Borden’s family expressed disappointment that no charges would be pursued but were open to the information presented during the investigation. The community had shown solidarity with Borden, as protests and a billboard urging “Justice for August!” garnered attention before the public announcement was made. Borden, who remained unconscious for two days as a result of his injuries, has since begun recovery but has not yet returned to school.
Conclusion
The findings from the Madison County DA’s investigation have aimed to clarify the nature of the incident involving August Borden, concluding it as a tragic accident with no criminal intent. The family and community continue to support Borden during his recovery.
FAQs
What happened to August Borden at Deshler High School?
The Madison County DA’s Office announced that the criminal case regarding August Borden is closed and will not result in any charges. The incident is characterized as a “freak accident.”
What were the findings of the investigation regarding the incident?
Investigators conducted at least 17 interviews, with 8 eyewitness accounts confirming there was no evidence of assault. The incident involved typical high school activities, with no malice intended.
What injuries did August Borden sustain?
Borden sustained serious injuries to his face and skull after slipping and falling. He was unconscious for two days and was subsequently airlifted to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.
How did the community respond to the incident?
The community supported Borden, participating in protests and displaying billboards urging “Justice for August!” leading up to the press conference.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Freak Accident |
| Charges | No Criminal Charges |
| Injuries Sustained | Serious face and skull injuries |
| Community Support | Protests and Billboards for “Justice for August!” |
| Investigation Conducted by | Madison County DA’s Office |
| Interviews Conducted | At least 17 Interviews, 8 Eyewitnesses |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Madison County DA’s Update on August Borden Case
- AL.com: Madison DA Holds Press Conference on August Borden
- WHNT: Madison County DA News Conference
- Rocket City Now: Update on Deshler High School Student Injury Case
- WAAY: No Criminal Charges in Deshler Football Injury Case
- Wikipedia: Freak Accident
- Google Search: August Borden
- Google Scholar: Deshler High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Accident
- Google News: August Borden Deshler High School
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
