'What if I’m next?': Parents demand answers after Stevens football player’s death

San Antonio — Grief and frustration converged on the Northside Independent School District Monday evening as dozens of parents of Stevens High School football players pressed district officials for clarity surrounding the death of 16-year-old Jaren “JLaw” Lawson, who collapsed during practice and later died.

The meeting, held in the Stevens cafeteria, was marked by emotional pleas and pointed questions about the circumstances that led to the sophomore’s collapse. Several parents said they still do not know basic facts about the incident, including the precise timeline of Lawson’s collapse and the immediate medical response.

“What if I’m next?” one mother asked district representatives, voicing a fear echoed by others in the room. “We’re handing our kids over every day, and we don’t even know what happened.”

NISD officials reiterated that an internal review is underway but disputed key allegations raised by parents, though they did not specify which claims were inaccurate. District representatives declined to provide additional details, citing privacy laws and the ongoing investigation.

Lawson, described by classmates as a dedicated athlete with aspirations of varsity play, died after being transported from the campus last week. The district has not released the exact date of his death or the medical cause, prompting further unease among families.