Loved ones gathered to remember a Cy-Fair ISD eighth grader who died after his first basketball practice.
CYPRESS, Texas — Dozens of friends and family members gathered to honor a Cy-Fair ISD middle schooler who died after his first basketball practice.
Family members said they were told Xavier Thompson had an asthma attack.
On Friday night, they said not much information at all had been given to them from the district. They said his Thorton Middle School principal has been reaching out to check in on them.
Amid the heartbreak of losing Xavier, they’re also trying to figure out what happened in the critical moments before his death.
There was a sea of support in Katy on Friday night standing together for the Thompson family.
“We just really appreciate the love because that’s definitely what has kept us going and the prayers,” Xavier’s aunt, Tynika Lemons, said.
The crowd continued to grow at a local park.
“You can see the love. He’s lighting up this whole area right now,” Xavier’s brother, Damari Thompson, said.
The love was shown through several tributes ahead of a balloon release for Xavier.
“I just appreciate the love,” Xavier’s brother, Daylan Thompson, said.
“Man, he touched a lot of people,” Xavier’s father, Willis Thompson, said.
Xavier was a Cy-Fair ISD eighth grader and a friend to all.
“He would be so happy to be out here, I’m so sorry,” Xavier’s mother, Brittany Thompson, said.
One week ago, the 13-year-old died after his first basketball practice of the season.
“Oh, God, I miss my baby. I miss him,” Brittany said.
Cy-Fair ISD said his death was asthma-related.
“When I got the call, the coach was like what do you want me to do? Somebody in the back said he was having a seizure so I said, call 911, call 911,” Willis said.
Willis said he got to the school around the time paramedics did. They were performing CPR on his son.
He and Brittany are left with one major question.
“I want to know why it took them so long to call 911 and why nobody knew what to do,” Brittany said.
Earlier this week, Cy-Fair ISD said they have not heard any of any concerns related to Xavier’s medical attention.
As friends and family gathered to pay tribute to Xavier they also called for accountability to ensure no other families experience a loss like theirs.
“Have everyone be CPR certified. Have everyone know how to work the defibrillator machine then Xavier would probably still be here,” Lemons said.
We did follow up with Cy-Fair ISD to see if they have any additional information regarding the response to Xavier’s medical emergency. We will update you when they respond.
If you’d like to help support the family this is their GoFundMe link.