WOODVILLE, TX — May 20, 2025
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Concern and outrage are mounting in Tyler County after multiple graphic photographs surfaced showing significant injuries suffered by sixth-grade students at Woodville ISD Middle School. The incident occurred during a pre-athletics class on Monday, May 19, and has prompted renewed scrutiny of school safety and staff accountability.
The photos, obtained by the grassroots group Concerned Citizens of Tyler County, depict severe abrasions, raw and blistered skin, and apparent second-degree burns on the palms of several students. Some wounds appear hastily bandaged, while others are visibly open and inflamed—suggesting extended contact with an abrasive or overheated surface. The injuries allegedly occurred during a bear crawl exercise ordered by Coach Kobe Adams, conducted on the school’s outdoor track under high temperatures.
Witnesses claim that students were told to restart the crawl if they stopped or dropped to their knees. In the absence of shade or protection, students reportedly tried to shield one another and even spat on their hands in desperation to lessen the pain.
Multiple parents confirmed that at least five children were referred to Shriners Burn Center in Galveston for evaluation, with two admitted for treatment. The community is also expressing concern over Coach Adams’s reported use of derogatory language during the exercise and his alleged dismissal of the injuries as “a couple blisters” in conversations with parents.
“This wasn’t a minor accident. This was negligence,” said one parent, who asked to remain anonymous out of concern for retaliation. “You don’t push children to the point of hospitalization and then brush it off.”
The incident has intensified calls for an internal investigation and disciplinary review within Woodville ISD. Critics are questioning not only the coach’s judgment but also the district’s training protocols, oversight, and responsiveness to student safety.
Repeated requests for comment from Superintendent Lisa Meysembourg have gone unanswered as of publication time. The district has, however, released a public statement which is included below in full:
“Woodville ISD is aware of an incident that occurred during a middle school athletics class on May 19. We are currently reviewing all circumstances and will take appropriate actions based on the findings. The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.”
As images of the injuries continue to circulate on social media, many in the community are demanding immediate action and greater transparency from district leadership.
