HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Hopewell City Public Schools released an updated statement on the tragic death of one of its 10th grade students during JV football practice Monday night.
The Hopewell High School community is mourning the loss of one of the 10th grade JV football players, who died during practice on Monday, Aug. 5.
According to the school district in an updated release on Tuesday, Aug. 6, its focus this day was to provide a safe space for students and staff to grieve.
The school system shared that the 15-year-old sophomore was “one of the most genuine and remarkable students” that staff have ever worked with. Officials described him as a “light” who left a lasting impact on all who met him.
Some additional details were provided on the events that preceded the student’s death — though his exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
“What occurred yesterday was that our team was at practice about 40 minutes into light drills,
following standard safety protocols,” said Hopewell City Public Schools in its updated statement. “After returning from a water break, the student collapsed about 10 feet from a coach. Two coaches were in the vicinity and immediately performed CPR and called 911. An AED was on grounds, but the paramedics arrived promptly and prior to the AED being used. The paramedics provided additional medical support and transported the student to the hospital right away.”
When asked about the status of athletic training, the school system shared that the procurement process for securing athletic training services over the summer has been completed and the existing contract identified Monday, Aug. 12, as the start date.
School will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 7. According to the school system, the air conditioning issues that caused Hopewell High to close Tuesday have been resolved and the average temperature in the school is now in the low 70s.
Hopewell City Public Schools also shared that grief counseling will be available for all students when they return.
“Our coaches and team are about much more than just football and are devastated,” said Hopewell City Public Schools. “We respectfully ask that the entire school community be allowed time to grieve the overwhelming loss of this remarkable young man.”
No other information on this incident is available as of the time of reporting. Stay with 8News as we continue to follow this developing situation.
