9-Year-Old Girl Dies in Freak Accident at School

Arlette Chavira's skull was crushed by a broken gate while helping a custodian close it.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Arlette Chavira, a 9-year-old honor roll student, tragically died after a metal gate at her school in Tucson, Arizona malfunctioned and crushed her skull. Arlette and her 7-year-old sister were trying to help a custodian close the gate when the freak accident occurred. The family has filed a $15 million lawsuit against the school district, alleging negligence, and recently reached a settlement.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of school facilities and equipment, especially when students are involved. The lawsuit aims to set a precedent that child safety should be the top priority for schools.

The details

According to court documents, the gate had a crack and extensive rust, and staff were aware of the dangerous conditions. The custodian had submitted a maintenance request to repair the gate just nine days before the deadly incident. When Arlette and her sister tried to help close the gate, it malfunctioned and crushed Arlette's skull. Her sister was able to jump out of the way, but Arlette experienced profuse bleeding and died en route to the hospital.

  • On November 17, 2023, Arlette Chavira and her sister were leaving Centennial Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona.
  • The family filed a $15 million lawsuit against the school district in 2024.
  • The family recently reached a settlement with the school district on undisclosed terms.

The players

Arlette Chavira

A 9-year-old honor roll student at Centennial Elementary School who tragically died in the freak accident.

Sergio Chavira and Luz Encinas

Arlette's parents who sent their daughters to school that day, never expecting the tragic outcome.

Centennial Elementary School

The school where the incident occurred and where Arlette was a beloved student.

Flowing Wells Unified School District

The school district that was named in the $15 million lawsuit filed by Arlette's family.

Custodial manager

The school employee who accepted the help of Arlette and her sister to close the gate, which ultimately led to the tragic accident.

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What’s next

The family's lawsuit aimed to set a precedent and ensure that children's safety is the top priority for schools. The settlement reached with the school district on undisclosed terms may lead to changes in safety protocols and maintenance procedures at Centennial Elementary and other schools to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical need for schools to prioritize student safety and maintain their facilities and equipment to the highest standards. Arlette's tragic death serves as a somber reminder that even simple tasks can pose dangers if proper precautions are not in place, and schools must be vigilant in addressing any safety concerns to protect the well-being of their students.