In April 2022, a 2-year-old experienced a seizure, prompting his parents to call for emergency medical care. Phoenix EMS arrived quickly, but then allegedly told the family that their toddler didn’t need to go to the hospital for treatment. Later that day, he died.
The family has now filed a wrongful death lawsuit because they believe their son’s death could’ve been prevented.
Phoenix EMS allegedly ignored the mom’s pleas for help.
That day, the Clugston family sensed something was wrong with their toddler, Abraham Clugston. KPNX reported that when Phoenix EMS responded to the family’s 911 call, Abraham’s mom “begged” first responders to take her son to the hospital. However, the first responders were allegedly dismissive of her concerns and accused her of “overreacting.”
They told the family that giving the toddler Tylenol and ibuprofen would be sufficient. According to the family’s lawsuit, Phoenix EMS didn’t even check the toddler’s vitals or take his temperature.
Later that day, Abraham was found unresponsive.
After the mom’s pleas for help were allegedly ignored by first responders, she gave her son the medication they had recommended. Then, about five hours later, the family called 911 again after finding the toddler unresponsive. At that time, Abraham was rushed to the hospital. Tragically, he didn’t survive.
The family’s attorney said the family clearly knew best.
Unfortunately, the tragedy seemed to prove that there’s some truth to the saying “mother knows best.” The family’s attorney, Breann Slack said, “[Firefighters] make mistakes, but as the parent, as in this case, my client, knows their child better than the city of Phoenix and and it was, unfortunately, proven that day.”
The city of Phoenix has responded.
On June 18, 2025, the Phoenix City Council decided that the city would pay $2 million to settle the family’s lawsuit. “The City of Phoenix extends its deepest condolences,” a city spokesperson said in a statement shared with KPNX. “Following this incident, as with any incident, an internal review was conducted and steps have been taken to improve training and procedures. The City remains dedicated to protecting the health and safety of every member of our community.”
