HENRY, S.D.(KXLG)- On Monday, Rachel Livingston found herself hearing shocking stories from her son, Hoyt, that no parent wants to hear about what she describes as multiple boys being “brutally assaulted.” To Rachel, it was more than just bullying or hazing.

Rachel shared her story.

She says that it had been happening for some time.

According to Rachel’s son, it would happen nearly every day, traveling both ways. He wanted to quit football, but they encouraged him to continue through the season without knowing the real reason why.

Monday arrived, and that is when she heard all the stories of multiple incidents.

Rachel talks about the fear her son must have felt.

The boys had no choice but to do as the “Senior boys” commanded them, and the only adult, a 20-year-old bus driver and assistant coach, was allegedly no help.

According to her son, there are anywhere from 12 to 15 boys on the boys. Rachel told us he was terminated.

Rachel said the Florence school, students, and coaches had nothing to do with these incidents. The Florence district reached out to check on the families and has scheduled a special school board meeting for Monday, September 23, 2024, at 5:00 pm in the Florence Music Room to discuss recent events and policies to ensure a positive environment for our students and staff.

Allegedly, one of the Senior’s parents reached out to one of the boys’ parents, telling them to stop spreading lies about their child or they would pursue legal action. With all these incidents now public, KXLG News asked Rachel if her son is back in school.

Since the students are all juveniles, the disciplinary actions will not be shared with the public or the other parents. What astonished Rachel was how none of the other children witnessing spoke up on the boys’ behalf while the incidents occurred. She said that just today, he dealt with his own “friends” badgering him, calling him a liar and telling him to stop.

Rachel saw many comments on social media that needed to be addressed from her perspective.

Rachel says she and the parents will seek what legal actions may be available and welcome any lawyers considering helping. She says it feels like they are grasping at straws, but no one is giving up.