Investigation Cleared in Deshler High School Incident

Tuscumbia, Alabama, October 10, 2025

News Summary

No criminal charges will be filed regarding the serious injuries sustained by 15-year-old August Borden at Deshler High School, labeled as a ‘freak accident’ by the District Attorney’s Office. Following a playful yet rough interaction, he suffered significant head and facial injuries requiring hospitalization. Despite the DA’s findings, concerns from Borden’s family about the incident’s seriousness persist, leading to ongoing discussions within the Tuscumbia community on student safety.

Tuscumbia, Alabama – No criminal charges will be filed regarding the serious injuries sustained by 15-year-old August Borden during an incident at Deshler High School on August 19. The Madison County District Attorney’s Office has labeled the event a “freak accident” and concluded that there was no intention of harm or malice among students involved.

Following the incident, Borden was airlifted to UAB Hospital, where he spent three days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) receiving treatment for significant head and facial injuries. These injuries included skull fractures and a seizure; however, Borden does not remember the events surrounding the incident. His father, Jason Borden, expressed disbelief and disappointment at the decision made by the DA’s office, which stemmed from a recusal of the Colbert County District Attorney’s Office due to perceived conflicts of interest.

The Madison County investigation entailed 17 interviews and the review of real-time text messages from that day. This information concluded that Borden’s injuries occurred as a result of playful but rough behavior typical in high school settings. According to officials, Borden was bear-hugged by another student, leading him to cough, lose consciousness, and fall onto uneven concrete. District Attorney Robert Broussard characterized the exchange of banter as having no serious intent, and Chief Deputy District Attorney Tim Gann asserted that the nature of the interaction was consistent with typical high school behavior.

Jason Borden has disputed the findings, suggesting that school officials provided inconsistent accounts about the cause of his son’s injuries. He claims there were attempts to downplay the incident’s seriousness and has raised concerns about whether there has been a cover-up intended to shield individuals involved, particularly a star football player. Furthermore, Borden’s doctor has indicated that the severity of the injuries suggests they cannot simply be attributed to a typical fall.

While the case has been closed from a legal perspective, Jason Borden has indicated he will continue to seek clarity and justice for his son. Following his hospitalization, August Borden has not returned to school, leading to ongoing discussions and controversies throughout the Tuscumbia community. Many residents have expressed their views on social media, highlighting the emotional impact this incident has had on families and students at Deshler High School.

Key Information:
– Incident Date: August 19
– Age of Victim: 15
– Hospitalized at: UAB Hospital
– Duration in ICU: 3 days
– Nature of Injuries: Skull fractures, Seizure
– Number of Interviews Conducted: 17
– Eyewitness Accounts: 8

Background Context:
The incident has sparked debates on student safety and the accountability of school officials in managing student interactions. Since the announcement of the Madison County DA’s findings, many community members have become involved in discussions about the incident, underscoring the sensitive nature of school culture and student safety ethics.

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HERE Resources

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No Criminal Charges Filed in Deshler High School Injury Case
Investigation Clears Individuals in Deshler High School Injury Case
Madison County DA: Deshler High Student Injured in Freak Accident
Madison County District Attorney Closes Case on August Borden
Lee-Huntsville Football Team Prepares for Optimistic Season

Additional Resources

• AL.com
• Wikipedia: Deshler High School
• Rocket City Now
• Google Search: Deshler High School student injury
• WAAY TV
• Google Scholar: Deshler High School August Borden
• 1819 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Student Safety
• Hindustan Times
• Google News: August Borden

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.