Teen ‘Attacked By Fellow Student After Making Joke’ Undergoes Surgery As Family Share Heartbreaking Update

The boy’s father revealed his son feels ’embarrassed’ and is ‘struggling’ after the alleged attack at school

A teenage boy who made what he thought was a harmless joke in his school cafeteria has been left with devastating injuries, including the removal of parts of his skull and 60 staples in his head, after another student allegedly attacked him, his parents say.

On August 21, 14-year-old Lukas Hardeman — described by his family as ‘creative and loving’ — was allegedly assaulted at his middle school in Kilgore, Texas.

According to the family, Lukas struck his head on a cafeteria stool attached to a table after another student allegedly ‘picked him up and body slammed’ him in response to the joke.

Lukas has since suffered ‘multiple brain bleeds and severe swelling’, according to a GoFundMe campaign started by his relatives.

Doctors at Dallas’ Children’s Hospital performed emergency surgery, removing two pieces of his skull to relieve pressure and bleeding, before inserting 60 staples to close his head wound.

His father, Michael Hardeman, shared that his son now feels ’embarrassed, hurt, and struggling’ as he tries to process everything that has happened.

In an interview with KLTV, Michael and Lukas’ stepmom Catom expressed their gratitude for the community’s kindness, saying they had received ‘so many calls, messages and donations’ since the incident.

Michael added that he believed divine intervention saved his son, saying Lukas was ‘only alive today because of Jesus’, claiming that God had ‘his hands around his heart’.

The 14-year-old teenager was allegedly attacked in his school cafeteria KBTX

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe total stands at $36,891, with donations going toward Lukas’ medical bills and long recovery process.

“We’re asking for help to cover these costs and to give Lukas the best chance at healing. Any support means the world to us, and we ask for your prayers for Lukas’s recovery. Thank you for standing with our family during this difficult time.”

Following the attack, Kilgore ISD released a statement addressing the shocking incident: “The event from last week has left us all shaken, it was both unexpected and deeply troubling, and our thoughts and prayers remain with our student who was injured.”

“No student should feel uncertain, afraid, or anxious about attending school. This week we have begun a thorough review of our campus safety measures, our district communication practices, security protocols, and programs that the District and our campuses have in place to keep everyone safe.”

“KISD is committed to taking every necessary step to keep our students and staff safe, to improve upon our current safety practices, and to restore the trust of our students, parents, and Bulldog Community.”

The family’s fundraiser remains open, and anyone who wants to help can donate to Lukas’ GoFundMe page.

Parents attend district meeting as fears over student safety grow

KLTV reported that since August 20, emergency services have been called to Lukas’ middle school twice, and once to Kilgore High School, for separate incidents requiring ambulances.

This series of events has left many parents anxious about sending their children to school, with some voicing concerns that safety protocols may not be strong enough.

During a district meeting, one concerned parent directly pressed school leaders, asking: “What is the district’s policy for students who repeatedly commit violence, even in alt placement? How are students and staff protected when these behaviors continue?”

Michael Hardeman said his son was ‘struggling’ and ’embarrassed’ after the alleged attack KLTV

Kilgore ISD Board President responds to concerns

Before a public meeting on August 25 where parents gathered to demand answers about safety, Kilgore ISD School Board President Jason Smith posted a statement on Facebook.

He reassured families that protecting students, staff, and the larger Bulldog community continues to be one of the District’s ‘top priorities’.

“I know that when an incident happens in our schools, families want timely and clear information,” Smith’s message continued.

“At the same time, there are limits to what the District can share.”

The statement pointed to strict federal privacy rules, including FERPA and HIPAA, which prevent the District from sharing certain student and staff details publicly.

“This means that while the District cannot release certain details, it can — and will — communicate openly about what steps are being taken to keep our campuses supportive and safe to the extent that can be done without compromising campus security.”

The school board pledged that while details might be limited, the District would continue to share updates clearly and as quickly as possible, along with outlining what actions are being taken to keep students and staff safe.

The post also promised to remain transparent about what can and cannot be disclosed while still respecting the privacy of those involved.

“I am confident that I speak on behalf of the whole Board when I say that we appreciate your trust and understanding as the District balances transparency with the responsibility to protect individual privacy. Together, we will continue working to make Kilgore ISD a safe and thriving place for every student to learn and grow.”

More recently, school officials confirmed that ‘a thorough review of our campus safety measures’ is underway to address ongoing concerns.