NEWLY RELEASED SCHOOL SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS 8-YEAR-OLD ADRIAN THOMPSON’S FINAL MOMENTS — HER PARENTS ARE STILL DEMANDING ANSWERS

LINDALE, TEXAS — More than six months after their eight-year-old daughter died following a choking emergency at school, Anna Thompson and Greg Sher are speaking out again, hoping newly released surveillance footage will help answer questions about what happened during the ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal moments before their daughter received medical attention.

Adrian Sue Thompson, a second-grade student at Velma Penny Elementary School in Lindale, Texas, experienced a medical emergency while eating lunch on April 15, 2026. She was rushed to the hospital after school employees and emergency responders attempted to save her life. Despite their efforts, Adrian died in the early hours of April 16.

Now, footage from the school’s surveillance cameras has brought renewed attention to the tᩚraɢedy and the family’s concerns about how the emergency was handled.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA?

According to reports based on the Texas Rangers’ investigative findings, Adrian began showing signs of distress in the cafeteria at approximately 11:40 a.m.

The surveillance footage reportedly shows the little girl coughing, holding her throat and approaching a school employee for help.

According to the investigative account, the employee initially believed Adrian might be feeling sick or about to vomit. She reportedly directed the child toward a trash can and asked whether she needed to use the restroom.

Adrian subsequently left the cafeteria but returned shortly afterward, still appearing distressed.

The footage and accompanying investigative documents have raised questions about whether the seriousness of her condition was recognized quickly enough.

Her parents say the video was deeply difficult to watch. For them, it brought back the final moments of their daughter’s life and raised questions they believe still deserve clear answers.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND THE INVESTIGATION

After Adrian reached the school nurse’s office, lifesaving measures were attempted.

Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt previously stated that the school nurse performed the Heimlich maneuver, used a LifeVac anti-choking device and administered CPR.

Emergency medical personnel were also called to the school and continued treatment before Adrian was transported for further medical care. She was eventually taken to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that Adrian died from choking and classified her dєatᩚh as accidental, according to a report published by KLTV on July 16, 2026.

The Texas Rangers investigated the incident. Reports of the investigation indicated that no criminal offense was identified in connection with the incident, and no criminal charges were filed.

However, the conclusion of the criminal investigation has not ended the family’s questions about the school’s emergency response.

THE FAMILY’S CONCERNS ABOUT TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT

One issue that has drawn particular attention is the emergency equipment used during the incident.

Reports based on investigative records indicated that adult-sized masks were attached to the LifeVac devices examined during the investigation. Adrian was only eight years old.

Her parents have questioned whether the equipment and procedures were appropriate for a child of her age.

They have also raised concerns about how quickly school personnel recognized the choking emergency and whether the response could have been handled differently.

These concerns represent the family’s questions and do not establish that different equipment or an earlier intervention would necessarily have changed the outcome.

Anna Thompson has continued speaking publicly because she wants other parents to feel confident that schools are prepared to respond when a child experiences a life-threatening emergency.

SCHOOL DISTRICT PROMISES A REVIEW AND ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Following Adrian’s dєatᩚh, Lindale Independent School District acknowledged the tᩚraɢedy and expressed condolences to her family and the school community.

Superintendent Stan Surratt previously said the district intended to seek an independent outside review of its emergency equipment, response measures and procedures.

The district also announced plans to develop a strategic approach to strengthen and expand emergency-response training for school employees.

Officials said the purpose of the review was to identify areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement, with the goal of making schools safer for students and staff.

The district’s statements came while the Texas Rangers were investigating the incident.

A MOTHER’S FIGHT FOR ANSWERS

For Anna and Greg, the loss of Adrian is something no family should ever have to experience.

The release of the surveillance footage has brought the case back into public discussion, but the parents’ concerns go beyond what can be seen in the video.

They want a clearer understanding of the decisions made during those ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal minutes, the equipment available to school employees and the emergency training provided to staff.

Anna has also advocated for changes to Texas law and greater accountability in how serious incidents at public schools are examined.

Her efforts have drawn attention to a wider question facing schools and families: Are teachers and school employees sufficiently prepared to recognize choking emergencies and provide immediate assistance?

ADRIAN’S STORY AND THE QUESTIONS THAT REMAIN

Adrian was remembered as a creative, adventurous and inquisitive little girl who enjoyed art, cooking, Minecraft and spending time with friends.

Her dєatᩚh has left her family and community grieving a child whose life ended far too soon.

Although the medical examiner ruled her dєatᩚh accidental and the criminal investigation did not result in charges, her parents continue seeking answers about the emergency response.

Their hope is that a closer examination of what happened can lead to meaningful improvements in school safety and emergency preparedness.

No investigation can undo the family’s loss. But the questions surrounding Adrian’s final moments have renewed an important conversation about how schools respond when a child suddenly needs lifesaving help.

For Adrian’s parents, the fight is now about making sure other families never have to face the same unanswered questions.