High School Football Player, 15, Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency at Practice: 'Heartbreaking Moment'
A high school teenager in Georgia is dead after experiencing a medical emergency during football practice earlier this week, according to local news outlets.
The Dekalb County School District confirmed the 'unexpected passing' of 15-year-old Mikah King, a student at Arabia Mountain High School, who collapsed during football practice on Tuesday, July 22, according to NBC affiliate WXIA-TV, WANF-TV and Fox affiliate WAGA-TV.
He was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead hours later, according to WANF-TV.
"The entire King family is in our thoughts and prayers, and we ask that you keep them lifted in love and comfort as they navigate this heartbreaking moment,' Arabia Mountain High School principal Tanya J. Mason said in a letter obtained by WXIA-TV.
The school district did not say what may have led to the medical emergency or if the student had any prior health conditions. Mason asked the school district in her letter to 'refrain from sharing unconfirmed details' about King's death and shared that they have made grief counselors available to students.
'Our primary goal is to ensure that our students feel supported emotionally during this incredibly difficult time,' Mason said. 'Counselors will continue to be available in the coming days for any student or staff member who may need support.'
Students at Arabia Mountain High School told WANF-TV that King played as an offensive guard and defensive tackle in football and played at Southwest DeKalb High School. Jordan Hollie, one of King's best friends, described the teen to the outlet as 'a generally funny, goofy person,.'
'He loved [football] as much as I did,' Hollie told WANF-TV. 'He was my practice partner. He would push me to be better.'
King's family shared in a GoFundMe that the 15-year-old's "sudden loss has left an immeasurable void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him."
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"Mikah was more than just a talented athlete. He was a spark — full of energy, compassion, and joy," the King family said. "... To his friends, he was family. And to his loved ones, he was a light that made every day brighter."
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