REISTERSTOWN, Md. —
A Franklin High School student has died after experiencing a medical emergency at football practice Wednesday morning.
The Baltimore County Fire Department reported on Wednesday that around crews were called 9:15 a.m. for a child experiencing a medical emergency on the school’s football field.
According to Baltimore County Public Schools, Kieran J. O’Connell, the school’s principal, sent the following message to the school community:
“It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the death of a Franklin High School student. The student experienced a medical emergency this morning and was transported to the hospital where he later passed away. We are devastated by this news.
“On Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, members of the Baltimore County Public Schools Traumatic Loss Team will be at our school to provide support and counseling for students and staff. Should your student find that he/she needs additional resources, or if you have questions about how to approach your child about this news, please do not hesitate to call the school at 443-809-1119. I have also attached a resource to this message that you may find helpful as you speak with your child(ren).
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the student’s family and loved ones. We will share more information as soon as we are permitted to do so.”
A BCPS representative told 11 News that of the district’s 24 high schools, 18 now have full-time athletic trainers, including Franklin, and one has a part-time athletic trainer. The representative said the district is close to fulfilling its goal of having a full-time athletic trainer at every high school.
Franklin’s football coach, Anthony Burgos, told 11 News Investigates last year, during an investigative reporting series on athletic trainers, that he was thrilled to have a full-time athletic trainer on the sidelines to coordinate the state-mandated emergency action plan.