Report: Dallas-area football player dies after heat-related emergency
A Lancaster football player died on Wednesday morning after suffering a heat-related medical emergency on Monday, Lancaster ISD said in a statement to WFAA.
The student was a sophomore at Lancaster Early College High School, and his name has not been released, the report said.
Superintendent Dr. A.K. Perera released this statement to WFAA about the student’s death:
“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.”
During a Monday football practice, a Lancaster junior varsity player reported feeling unwell, and athletic trainers began treatment under UIL heat safety protocols, the district said in the release.
The district said the student went into in a cold tub to lower his body temperature. He showed signs of improvement and was brought to Children’s Medical Center. After two days, the athlete died.
“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 said in the release. “When the medical emergency occurred, our staff responded immediately and with great care for our student.”
Lancaster ISD has canceled football practice this week, as well as Thursday’s scrimmage against North Forney, WFAA said.
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