TAMPA, Fla. — Felix and Phyllis Walters stayed somberly, quiet Wednesday inside the Yerrid Law firm in downtown Tampa.
- Victim's father warned head football coach of his son's conditions
- The Walters family and their attorneys want to see change or they will go to court
- PREVIOUS: Boy, 14, dies during football conditioning drills
- RELATED: Superintendent Releases New Details on the Death of 14-year-old Hezekiah Walters
Their team of attorney's did all of the talking when it came to their son Hezekiah Walters, the fourteen year-old that died in June during football conditioning.
C. Steven Yerrid and David Dickey made it clear that while a lawsuit is possible against the Hillsborough County School District, it is change the family really wants.
“There is not enough money in the world to bring Hezekiah back, there is not enough money in the world that these parents would ever take for the loss of their son," said Yerrid, the long-time trial lawyer.
Hezekiah collapsed June 11th on Middleton High’s football field on day five of conditioning. A picture of him smiling sat on a stand behind his mother, it was take just after the first few days of conditioning. In it, Hezekiah smiles. His lawyers explain how his family said he was happy and healthy.
When asked if Hezekiah had any known medical conditions, Yerrid was quick to answer.
“No, the only thing that was an issue was his age, his tender age," said Yerrid.
Hezekiah was not an longtime athlete, only recently expressing a passion for football to his father. Dickey said Mr. Walters spoke to the head football coach ahead of conditioning warning him that Hezekiah would need support and instruction.
“Mr. Walters knew that, he spoke with them, and the coach responded and said we will take care of your son," said Dickey.
But Hezekiah collapsed and then later died. A preliminary medical report would show he came to the hospital with a temperature of 102 degrees.
The attorneys firmly said a lawsuit is not the goal, but they are prepared to go to court if the school district does not comply with the changes they are asking for to happen. The Walter's family wants athletic trainers at every school, proper documentation for each student when it comes to medical and athletic records, and to make sure that coaches and staff are there for any practice, game or day of conditioning.
On Monday, Superintendent Jeff Eakins said he was going to ask the school board to make sure an athletic trainer is at every school. He also already made sure the Assistant Principal and coach at Middleton High were demoted and placed at different schools, after several athletic records for other kids were found to be incomplete. It's a start - but the attorneys say they are still waiting for more of a response from the district.
Yerrid ended the conference with a message from Hezekiah’s parents.
"I have been advised by the family to tell you all how much they appreciate your prayers, your thoughts, sympathy that has already been expressed by many," said Yerrid, as Phyllis' eyes filled with tears next to him.
Then just as somberly as they came in, the family walked out.