Houston-area football player collapses on field, dies hours later

A Houston-area high school football player died Saturday after collapsing during a game.

During the second half of an away game Friday night, Shadow Creek High School junior Chase Lightfoot fell to the ground.

A district spokesman told KPRC the 17-year-old was given medical treatment from trainers and was transported to a San Antonio hospital.

KTRK reported that an early autopsy report suggested the teen died of a cardiovascular problem.

Shadow Creek High School Principal Kelly Hestand wrote in a statement the district will offer counseling on campus Monday.

"This will be a difficult week for our campus,” Hestand said in the statement. “It will also be a time for us to pull together and show support for the young man's family as well as those closest to him."

Students honored Lightfoot at a vigil at the school’s parking lot Saturday night, with his No. 65 displayed.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the player’s family to help with funeral expenses.

@bryanbastible

This story was originally published September 11, 2016 at 12:41 PM with the headline "Houston-area football player collapses on field, dies hours later."