KILGORE, Texas (KLTV/Gray News) – A middle school student in Texas is recovering from serious injuries after his family says he was attacked by another student at school and had his head slammed into a metal pole.
Lukas Hardeman, 14, was injured by another student in the cafeteria on Aug. 21 after Lukas’ parents said their son made a joke.
Michael Hardeman, Lukas’ father, said the other student slammed his son’s head against a metal pole attached to a stool.
Lukas suffered from brain injuries that required two parts of his skull to be removed, and according to his dad, he has over 60 staples holding his head together now.
Lukas required ICU care at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.
“He’s embarrassed. He is hurt. He is struggling,” Michael Hardeman said. “But I hope when he sees … that he has a lot of family behind him. I hope that he can get to a point to where he is confident.”
Lukas’ family and other parents at the school are hoping for changes in safety measures following the attack.
Kilgore Independent School District called a special meeting for parents concerned for the safety of their children.
Ambulances were called to the schools three times since Aug. 20; twice to the middle school and once to the high school.
“For the first time, I feel nervous to send my child to middle school,” one parent said.
In a statement, the district said it could not comment on Lukas’ specific case, but assured parents that the safety of its students remains top priority.
“While the District cannot release certain details, it can — and will — communicate openly about what steps are being taken to keep our campuses supportive and safe to the extent that can be done without compromising campus security,” the statement read, in part.
Michael Hardeman said that there is a long road to recovery for Lukas, and his family is taking it day by day. He said that the family’s faith is carrying them through.
“My son is only alive today because of Jesus, and he had his hands around his heart,” Michael Hardeman said.
