According to Lancaster ISD, the medical emergency occurred at a practice on Monday and the boy later died on Wednesday.
LANCASTER, Texas — A North Texas high school football player died Wednesday morning after suffering a “medical emergency” at practice two days prior, Lancaster Independent School District officials said.
The player, 15-year-old Preston Malone, was a sophomore student at Lancaster Early College High School, according to officials. More information about him was not immediately released Wednesday.
According to a release sent out by Lancaster ISD, during football practice on Monday, Malone, a junior varsity student-athlete, told a coach that he was not feeling well and athletic trainers began treating him, following UIL heat safety protocols.
The district said that Malone was placed in a cold tub to lower his body temperature and, after showing signs of improvement, was taken by EMS to Children’s Medical Center for further evaluation. Two days later, on Wednesday morning, Malone died, according to the district.
“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.”
In response to the tragedy, Lancaster ISD has canceled football practices for the rest of the week, as well as the scrimmage against North Forney, which was scheduled for Thursday. Grief counselors are also available at the school and around the district, Lancaster ISD said.
Superintendent Dr. A.K. Perera released the following statement on the Malone’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.”