The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District has reinstated high school head football coach Chris Lyons and stated that a locker room injury “occurred due to an unfortunate accident.”

Superintendent Bennett Jones, in a statement released this morning, said that following interviews with all football players—including the injured athlete—the collection and analysis of witness statements, and a review of law enforcement documents, school officials concluded that the hand injury suffered by the student was an unfortunate accident. The evidence indicates the incident occurred when another player accidentally closed a door on the student’s hand.

“The evidence does not substantiate any intentional act to harm the student with the door, nor was the student in the act of being assaulted at the time of the injury,” the statement said. “The student later reported other concerns of potential hazing behavior that had taken place in the weeks leading up to the incident by other players on the football team.”

Those allegations are being investigated separately.

“The district is committed to providing a safe and inviting environment for all students and will take appropriate action in accordance with board policy and applicable law in response to any identified concerns,” the district noted.

The investigation found that Lyons was unaware of any misconduct that may have risen to the level of hazing. Consequently, Lyons has been reinstated as head football coach at Roanoke Rapids High School, effective immediately.

Chrystal Redding, the attorney representing the family of the injured athlete, Adrian Epperson, declined immediate comment this morning, stating she first wanted to consult with her clients regarding the school system’s statement.

The RRGSD said: “We will continue to support our injured student-athlete and his family as he recovers. Thank you to the RRHS administration for their hard work investigating this incident from a school perspective and subsequent investigations into any concerns expressed. We will continue to cooperate with the RRPD and the SBI as they conduct their own investigation.”

The statement continued: “The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District will continue to enforce the laws and policies of our district and will investigate any concerns brought to school officials. As a district, we are implementing additional educational and preventative measures as we work to ensure that every student and coach understands our expectations and feels safe reporting concerns.”

Lyons said: “I would like to express my appreciation for the thorough investigation that the RRGSD administration completed and for releasing its findings as soon as possible. I also want to continue to express my support and assistance to the injured athlete in his recovery.”