4-Year-Old Girl Dies After Feeding Tube Mishap at a Virginia School

Lifestyle
Paul Johns
February 26, 2025
10 minutes read

change.org/Faith’s sister, Makayla Johnson

The grieving family of four-year-old Faith Johnson is calling for accountability and systemic change after the young girl died following an incident at a special needs school in Virginia. Faith, who had Cockayne Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes premature aging and neurological complications, relied on a GJ feeding tube for nourishment.

Her family claims that despite clear instructions and multiple meetings with school staff, her tube was forcibly dislodged while attending Northwestern Regional Education Programs (NREP) on February 18. She passed away four days later on February 22.

Her devastated parents, Danielle and Bryon Johnson, say they were not immediately informed about the incident and are still waiting for answers. “We still don’t know exactly what happened,” Danielle Johnson told Fox5. “They’re still investigating. We only got bits and pieces of the story, and so we’re still waiting for a full investigation.”

Her father, Bryon Johnson, described Faith as a source of light and joy in their family. “She changed all of us dramatically – brought more gratitude. Humbled us a lot because she was always smiling … just having fun with her sister, laughing,” he said.

The Frederick County community has rallied behind the family, launching an online petition demanding accountability from Frederick Public Schools (FPS), which operates NREP. The petition accuses the school of “severe negligence” and failing to provide the urgent medical care Faith needed.

“This act of negligence, combined with a subsequent lack of immediate response, accountability, and proper medical attention, directly resulted in her death,” the petition states.

The family is calling for:

The immediate termination of all staff members involved in Faith’s care.
A thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Full transparency, including the release of video footage related to the incident.
Grief support for students and families.
A comprehensive review and reform of school policies for students with medical needs.
“We, the community of Frederick County, will not tolerate the loss of another child due to negligence. We demand safe schools for all children and justice for Faith,” the petition states.

Frederick Public Schools expressed condolences in a statement shared with Fox5 but did not address the specific allegations. “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of our students at Northwestern Regional Educational Programs (NREP), and we extend our sincere sympathies to the family during this incredibly difficult time,” the district stated.

“Frederick County Public Schools is fully cooperating with all pending investigations. Extra support, including counselors, will be available at the school for as long as it is needed.” As the family awaits a full investigation, the case has sparked broader concerns about medical safety protocols in schools for children with special needs. The Johnsons remain determined to seek justice and prevent another tragedy from occurring.