On June 29, 2013, 13-year-old Drew suffered a head injury while skateboarding. In the ER he was awake, alert and appeared to be fine. The doctor ordered a CT scan of his brain and found a possible basilar skull fracture. For Drew’s safety, he was to be transferred to the Level I Trauma Center and a breathing tube was placed for the transfer by ambulance.

Drew’s breathing tube became dislodged during transport. When replaced, it was put in his esophagus rather than his trachea. His oxygen levels fell, and his heart rate slowed. By the time the ambulance diverted to a nearby hospital, it was too late. Drew suffered anoxic brain injury and lost his life.

June 29, 2021, marks the eighth anniversary of Drew Hughes death due to an unplanned extubation. Read more about Drew's Movement.