In a shocking turn of events, a high school student’s life was irrevocably altered due to the alleged negligence and misconduct of a school district employee. On February 23, 2026, Heather Prewitt filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas against the San Angelo Independent School District. The lawsuit accuses the district of failing to protect her son, D.P., from excessive physical punishment that led to severe health consequences.
The case revolves around an incident on February 27, 2024, when D.P., a freshman at Central High School in San Angelo, Texas, missed his team bus to a tennis meet. In response, his coach, Brent Abilez, allegedly subjected him to an intense and prolonged exercise session as punishment. According to the complaint, this session included grueling activities such as sprints and frog jumps across four tennis courts without providing water or rest breaks. As a result of this harsh treatment, D.P. developed Rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream—leading to hospitalization and long-term health issues.
Heather Prewitt claims that these actions violated her son’s constitutional rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. She argues that San Angelo ISD failed in its duty to adequately train and supervise its staff, thereby endangering students’ welfare. The lawsuit seeks damages under 42 U.S.C. §1983 for violations of due process and equal protection rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
The complaint details how D.P.’s promising athletic career was derailed by this incident. Once aspiring to become a Division I college athlete, he now faces ongoing physical limitations and emotional distress due to repeated hospitalizations for Rhabdomyolysis. Additionally, Heather Prewitt alleges that her parental rights were violated because she was not provided with necessary procedural safeguards by the school district.
The plaintiffs are seeking comprehensive compensation for both past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, educational costs incurred due to D.P.’s injuries, as well as nominal damages for violations of their constitutional rights. They also demand attorney fees under 42 U.S.C §1988.
Representing Heather Prewitt is Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP with attorneys Tej R. Paranjpe and Andrew “Drew” Archer leading the case. The presiding judge has yet to be named in Case No: 6:26-cv-00065-H.
Source: 626cv00065_Heather_Prewitt_v_San_Angelo_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Texas.pdf
