A 15-year-old high school football player in Texas died last week after suffering a medical emergency during a practice session.
According to reports, Preston Malone, a 15-year-old sophomore on the junior varsity football team at Lancaster Early College High School, was running sprints with his teammates when he complained to his coach about not feeling well.
Kimberly Simpson, a school district spokesperson, said at a news conference on August 20 that: “The coach immediately noticed that Malone was not sweating. He was not perspiring.”
Malone was placed into a cold tub in an effort to cool him down, as his temperature had reportedly reached 104 degrees. 911 was called and paramedics arrived to transport the teenager immediately to hospital.
Sadly, Malone passed away on August 20.
“We were hopeful for his recovery, but his condition changed overnight, and he sadly passed away,” the school district shared in a news release, as per People Magazine.
“His last words were, ‘Hey, I’m sorry I was unable to finish the workout,’” Simpson shared during the news conference, “which speaks to the type of kid Preston was.”
According to WFAA, Simpson revealed that football practice had been moved indoors on the day of August 18 due to soaring temperatures outside.
“Our Lancaster ISD athletic training staff carefully followed all UIL and district heat safety protocols and procedures, which included adjusting practice times, utilizing indoor facilities, maintaining hydration stations, monitoring real-time heat conditions, and ensuring certified athletic trainers were on site,” the school district’s news release reads.
The statement added: “When the medical emergency occurred, our staff responded immediately and with great care for our student.”
School Superintendent A.K. Perera shared in the school district’s news release: “Our hearts are broken, and we extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, teammates, and teachers during this unimaginable time of loss.
“We ask our community to join us in keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers.”
Rest in peace, Preston Malon.
