UPDATE: San Marcos Police Await Results On Hays Student’s Death

The San Marcos Police Department continues its investigation of a Hays CISD student’s death at a sleepover earlier this week. Police expect more information will be made available when the autopsy and toxicology results return in 4-6 months.

Justice of the Peace Beth Smith ordered an autopsy and toxicology report on Elijah Hernandez (DOB 5/13/1998) early Sunday morning, Oct. 4 after witnesses say he passed out during a sleepover at a friend’s house.

San Marcos police officers were responding to the 100 block of Farm House Road (Blanco Vista Subdivision) at 1:27 a.m. for an assist EMS call.

Upon arrival, officers learned that seven friends, all Hays High School students, were having a sleepover, and a game of wrestling began between Hernandez and another 17-year-old.

Witnesses say Hernandez lost consciousness during the wrestling, and the friends noticed he was not breathing, his lips were turning blue, and he was not responsive.

The group woke up the parents at the house, and the father immediately began CPR and called 911.

“While there was some wrestling taking place during the sleepover, it is not linked to a cause of death at this time,” said Assistant Police Chief Bob Klett.  “All factors are being explored in this ongoing investigation. There is no suspicion of foul play and witnesses are being cooperative.”

Hernandez was transported to Seton Medical Center Hays where he was pronounced dead at 2:40 a.m. by JP Smith. She ordered an autopsy with Central Texas Autopsy in Lockhart. Hernandez’ parents were notified of the death at Seton.

No criminal charges are pending for the 17-year-old, and no medical examiner’s ruling on the cause of death has been received by police.