Following up on an earlier announcement regarding the reinstatement of Roanoke Rapids High School head football coach Chris Lyons, Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Superintendent Bennett Jones issued an updated statement providing additional details on the investigation into a student-athlete's locker room hand injury.

According to the district, the determination that the injury was accidental came after a comprehensive inquiry involving interviews with the injured player and every athlete present in the locker room at the time, according to the statement.

District officials said information gathered from law enforcement records and internal interviews indicates the injury occurred while the student was inside the locker room with his hand in an exterior metal door jamb. The door was then unexpectedly closed by a student located outside the facility.

The school system noted that state and federal student privacy regulations, including laws protecting confidential student records and personally identifiable information, prevent the release of further specific details regarding the case.

In response to the matter and separate allegations of misconduct, the district is rolling out several preventative measures. Moving forward, all district coaches will be required to complete the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s course on Bullying, Hazing, and Inappropriate Behaviors.

The district added that it will also provide direct training and support for student-athletes aimed at fostering a positive and safe culture across all athletic programs.