Denton Guyer High cross-country runner collapses, dies after run in park, police say
A Denton Guyer High School cross-country runner died Thursday morning after he finished a run in a park, Denton police said.
Guyer High student Dylan Dorrell, 17, died after a work-out with the cross-country team, school officials said.
“We ask that you please keep Dylan’s family in your hearts and minds as they struggle with his loss,” said Guyer High School principal Dr. Shaun Perry in a Thursday statement released by the Denton Independent School District.
Perry’s statement was in a letter which was sent to Guyer High parents on Thursday just hours after Dylan died.
The boy was found unconscious at South Lakes Park. Witnesses administered CPR before emergency medical crews arrived.
The teen was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
Police and firefighters responded to the call of an unconscious person shortly after 8 a.m. at the park, in the 500 block of Hobson Lane in Denton.
Witnesses told authorities that the teen was discovered unresponsive in the park.
A ruling on the cause of his death is pending an autopsy.
A heat advisory was in effect Thursday morning in Denton County and North Texas. That advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.
Hot temperatures and high humidity are in the forecast. The heat index was expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees on Thursday.
Denton police and Denton school officials have crisis counselors available for classmates, faculty, staff, friends and family members affected by the student’s death.
“Tragedies of this magnitude are difficult to overcome,” Perry said. “We will support each other in dealing with this unexpected loss.”
Guyer Coach Jonathan Ponsonby has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for the family. Donations can be made online at gofundme.com/f/support-dylan-dorrell039s-family
“Dylan Dorrell meant so much to so many people,” the GoFundMe page states. “As a Guyer High School student and athlete, he was adored and admired by his teachers, teammates, and coaches. He had an amazing work ethic, was focused on improving every small detail, and was a huge part of developing the family atmosphere present at Guyer High School and on the Guyer Cross Country Team.”
This story was originally published August 13, 2020 at 2:09 PM.
