Horror as Virginia high school football star, 15, dies in front his teammates after collapsing at practice
A star high school football player died in front of his teammates after suffering a heart attack during a practice.
Jayvion Taylor, 15, was about 40 minutes into a practice at Hopewell High School Monday night when he collapsed after a water break.
Two coaches attempted to resuscitate Taylor and called 911. Emergency services arrived immediately and took him to the hospital, where he died.
Taylor was in the 10th grade and played football for the school. The school has since remembered him as a “genuine and remarkable student.”
His coaches and teammates also had similar feelings about the teenager.
Jayvion Taylor, 15, was about 40 minutes into practice at Hopewell High School Monday night when he collapsed after a water break
Taylor was a 10th grader who played football for the school, which has since remembered him as a “genuine and remarkable student”
Speaking with WTVRCo-star Orrin Besley told the outlet, “He was just flat out positive, one of the best guys I’ve ever known.”
Teammate Cory Seacat was on the field when Taylor collapsed. He said, “I walked to the back of the field and saw everybody here.
‘[I] couldn’t get close to him. I heard it was Jay, we had to get down on one knee. They told us to go to the locker room. We just prayed.’
Added classmate Chase Stith, “I thought he was going to make it and get through this. Because he’s one of the strongest people I know, I thought he was going to make it.
“It didn’t matter who you were. If you were one of the most famous people in school, or if you were someone who wasn’t talkative, he tried to get to know you and understand you.”
A statement from the school said: ‘This 15-year-old young man is regarded as one of the most genuine and remarkable students our staff has ever worked with.
‘He was regarded as a ‘light’ by all who met him and left a lasting impression.’
Two coaches attempted to resuscitate Taylor and called 911, at which point paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital, where he died.
His family has also confirmed that Taylor died of a heart attack, saying CBS 6 They appreciated the support of the community.
Brent Pry, head coach of the Virginia Tech American football team, said during a press conference that he is praying for the community.
Pry said: ‘I don’t know if many of you are aware of the tragedy that happened there yesterday with one of their young footballers.
“I can’t imagine the team, the coaches, the players, the high school, the community… so my thoughts and prayers are with us. [the coach] and his team.’
Earlier that week, classmates and family members gathered in the school gym to honor the teen with a balloon release, which was scheduled for Saturday evening.