Boy Dies After Punch Jars Heart Valve
A 13-year-old boy with an artificial heart valve died Friday from being punched in the chest at school, and police said they were investigating.
Justin Charles Cupples collapsed Wednesday after being struck by another student at Berg Junior High School in Newton. The blow dislodged the valve that had been implanted to correct a birth defect and disrupted the youth’s blood flow, causing brain damage.
“At least seven classmates and friends have given statements to the police,” said Justin’s father, Danny Cupples. “Charlie was hit on the chest by a fist. Most of the kids knew he had a heart valve and wasn’t supposed to get jarred, but this troublemaker apparently didn’t take it seriously and was showing off or something and trying to get Charlie to fight back.”
A spokesman for Newton Police Chief Michael Quinn would say only that the investigation was continuing.
Justin died hours after doctors at Mercy Hospital said he had too much brain damage to survive a heart transplant operation.
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