Kaylee Gain, the Missouri teenager who endured a brutal assault earlier this month, has shown signs of improvement and has been transferred out of intensive care, her family announced on Friday.
In an update shared on a GoFundMe page dedicated to supporting Kaylee’s recovery, her mother, April Nordstrom, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. Kaylee, a 16-year-old student at Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis, Missouri, was critically injured in a disturbing altercation on March 8, captured in a video that circulated online. The footage depicted another girl repeatedly slamming Kaylee’s head into the concrete.
“We are relieved to share that Kaylee is now in stable condition, breathing on her own, and has been moved out of the ICU,” Ms. Nordstrom wrote. “Though her journey to recovery is far from over, her strength is remarkable.”
Initial reports detailed Kaylee’s severe injuries, including a fractured skull, brain bleeding, and swelling. The GoFundMe campaign set up to assist with her medical expenses has garnered significant attention, with nearly $400,000 raised thus far, including a generous donation of $10,000 from billionaire Bill Ackman.
Authorities have taken action in response to the assault, arresting and charging a 15-year-old suspect connected to the incident. However, the suspect’s family has launched a petition urging against charging her as an adult. They contend that she was acting in self-defense against harassment and bullying. The petition emphasizes the importance of restorative justice and rehabilitation in addressing the harm caused.
In a twist, the suspect’s family also initiated a GoFundMe campaign for her legal expenses, but it was removed for violating the platform’s terms of service after raising $3,000.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has called for the suspect to be tried as an adult, arguing that the severity of the crime warrants adult punishment. Additionally, Bailey has launched an investigation into the Hazelwood School District, alleging that their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies contributed to Kaylee’s injuries. The district’s decision to remove uniformed officers from schools, as part of their DEI initiatives, has come under scrutiny.
In response to the Attorney General’s claims, the Hazelwood School District reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment while maintaining student safety as a top priority. The district dismissed assertions that DEI initiatives compromised safety, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive school community for all students.
