Nationwide — Nicholas Gray, an 8-year-old African American boy from Manvel, Texas, died after choking on a grape during snack time at school. Staff tried to save him using the Heimlich maneuver and a state-required airway clearance device, but he could not be saved.
Nicholas was a third-grader at Pomona Elementary who loved school, church, Cub Scouts, and spending time with his four siblings. His mother, Kenzie Gray, described him as a boy whose smile could light up the world and wanted people to remember him for who he was.
According to ABC 13, the choking incident happened on February 9 and was witnessed by Nicholas’ classmates. They immediately ran for help, and school staff immediately acted. A teacher performed the Heimlich maneuver, and the school nurse and campus police officer assisted.
Even with an airway clearance device, staff were unable to remove the grape. Nicholas was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where doctors tried to save him, but he later passed away.
Kenzie Gray said she and her husband made the difficult decision to remove Nicholas from life support. “His body, it couldn’t handle anymore — the medicines, the machines, and the tubes everywhere. His body just couldn’t withstand that, and so his father and I had to make a very tough decision to allow him to be at rest,” she said.
She continues to relive the tragedy but asks that people focus on Nicholas’ life rather than the heartbreak. She said, “I do not want to have rage or anger or meanness or vindictiveness within me. I would really just like for there to be a respect for Nicholas’ honor with only facts being stated. I don’t think I have any other answer to this level of heartbreak.”
Alvin ISD has confirmed that counseling services are being offered to students and staff affected by the incident. The district emphasized support for everyone impacted by the tragedy.