Madison County, AL, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard has ruled that no criminal charges will be filed regarding the severe injuries of 15-year-old August Borden, a Deshler High School student. The incident, deemed a ‘freak accident’, occurred during a playful interaction and led to Borden suffering significant brain injuries, including a skull fracture. Despite public concern about potential malice, the investigation revealed no intent to harm, though Borden’s family plans to continue their own inquiry.
Madison County DA Declares Deshler High School Student’s Severe Injuries Resulted from “Freak Accident” with No Criminal Charges to Be Filed
Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard has officially stated that no criminal charges will be filed regarding the severe injuries sustained by 15-year-old August Borden, a student at Deshler High School. The incident occurred on August 19, leading to Borden being hospitalized with significant brain injuries and broken orbital bones.
The injury incident sparked speculation within the community, with many questioning whether Borden had been assaulted by fellow students. This concern prompted the Madison County District Attorney’s office to conduct an extensive investigation. Broussard characterized the students’ interactions involved in the incident as “typical high school banter” featuring “limited physical contact,” concluding that there was no malice or intent to harm present during the occurrence.
According to the findings of the DA’s office, August Borden’s injuries are classified as the result of a “freak accident.” The criminal investigation surrounding the case is now officially closed as far as the criminal justice system is concerned. Assistant District Attorney Tim Gann reiterated that there was “absolutely zero ill will” or reckless behavior involved in the incident, further alleviating fears of intentional wrongdoing.
August Borden endured severe medical issues, including a significant skull fracture and concussion, which have left him unable to recall the details of the incident. Reports indicate that the event unfolded when a fellow student playfully wrapped his arms around Borden’s shoulders from behind, which caused Borden to cough and emit a strange sound, ultimately leading to him passing out.
Following this moment, Borden fell down outdoor steps, suffering a seizure in the process, after which a coach and a parent were prompted to call 911 for medical assistance. In the wake of the incident, Borden’s family expressed disagreement with earlier claims made by school officials that the injuries were merely the result of a simple fall.
The Madison County District Attorney’s office took responsibility for the investigation as it was determined that a potential conflict of interest existed due to Deshler High School being located in Colbert County. In total, investigators conducted approximately 17 interviews, including eight eyewitness accounts, which consistently indicated a similar sequence of events surrounding the incident.
Despite the District Attorney’s announcement, August Borden’s legal counsel has communicated their intention to continue their own investigation into the matter, indicating that the family’s pursuit of clarity regarding the incident remains ongoing.
Background Context
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with seemingly innocent interactions among students in school environments. The Madison County District Attorney’s decision to close the case without pursuing criminal charges highlights the complexity of school-related injuries and the ethical considerations involved in determining accountability. The District Attorney’s investigation sought to assure the community that incidents of this nature, while serious, do not always involve malicious intent or reckless behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the injuries sustained by August Borden?
August Borden sustained severe brain injuries, a significant skull fracture, and broken orbital bones.
Was there any criminal charges filed regarding the incident?
No criminal charges will be filed regarding the injuries of August Borden, as determined by the Madison County District Attorney’s office.
What caused August Borden’s injuries?
The injuries were classified as the result of a “freak accident” during a playful interaction between students, which led to Borden passing out and subsequently falling down steps.
What is the status of the investigation into the incident?
The criminal investigation is officially closed, but August Borden’s legal counsel is continuing their own independent investigation into the matter.
Incident Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Student Involved | August Borden, 15 years old |
| Date of Incident | August 19 |
| Type of Injuries | Severe brain injuries, skull fracture, broken orbital bones |
| Investigation Findings | No criminal charges; incident deemed a “freak accident” |
| Community Response | Speculation of assault led to public concern |
| Legal Status | Criminal case closed; independent legal investigation ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Madison County District Attorney Closes Case on August Borden
Additional Resources
- WHNT News
- AL.com
- 1819 News
- Wikipedia: Freak Accident
- Google Search: Deshler High School Injury Incident
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.
