Boy, 12, Dies After Collapsing At Chartiers Valley Middle School Basketball Practice
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A 12-year-old boy died after collapsing during basketball practice at Chartiers Valley Middle School on Wednesday.
The boy, 12-year-old Jayson Kidd of Bridgeville, fell during warmups, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner. The boy died while at a hospital.
His cause of death was anomalous origin of coronary artery, and his manner of death was natural, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office said.
The Chartiers Valley School District Superintendent Johannah Vanatta released this statement about the incident:
"Today, the Chartiers Valley family is deeply saddened by a tragic incident that occurred at the Middle School this evening around 5:00 pm. Out of respect for the family, we will not release any further details at this time.
"I am confident that our community will rise in support. My thoughts and prayers are with the student's family, friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and all of those affected by this tragedy.
"The Middle School Crisis Team will be available for students and staff tomorrow, as needed."
A parent told KDKA's Amy Wadas over Facebook that her son was there when it happened. She said her son and other seventh-grade boys were with Kidd at basketball tryouts on Wednesday night when he collapsed.
She said Kidd collapsed at the end of practice when they were running sprints, and the parent said her son is having a tough time processing what he witnessed.
Kidd's teachers released a statement on Friday, saying:
"Jayson's passing will obviously leave a mark on all the souls that ever knew him, but it is because of his outstanding character and infectious personality that we will remember him fondly. The sum of Jayson is not the tragedy that happened to him, it is the way people felt about him. For as long as we live, we will carry his name on our hearts."
The school community is also working to honor the boy. Students placed hand-written notes to Kidd on his locker and then delivered them to his family. A moment of silence was also held before Friday's football game.
