15-Year-Old Athlete Dies Suddenly Following Football Practice

It is an unfortunate fact that so many young and healthy people are dying at an alarming rate lately.

Sadly, this fact rings true of teenage athletes.

Yet another young athlete has died suddenly, leaving a Connecticut community mourning.

A 15-year-old football player from Windsor High School passed away after losing consciousness during practice on Tuesday afternoon.

Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera was given CPR by his coaching staff and taken to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The school’s Superintendent confirmed his passing in a press release:

“I am deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of our beloved Windsor High School students, Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera,” stated Dr. Terrell Hill.

“During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends who are grappling with this unthinkable loss.”

Connecticut 15-year-old student-athlete dies after football practice https://t.co/yA6CNTA1OE

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 12, 2023

Here’s more on this latest tragedy from Fox News:

A Connecticut high school student and football player has tragically passed away following a practice on Tuesday afternoon, school officials said.

In a press release, Windsor High School Superintendent Dr. Terrell Hill confirm the sudden death of Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, a 15-year-old student.

“I am deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of our beloved Windsor High School students, Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera,” Dr. Hill wrote in a press release. “During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends who are grappling with this unthinkable loss.”

FOX 61 said that Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks said that Rivera was “running light drills when he suddenly collapsed.” Coaching staff immediately began administering CPR and the 15-year-old was transported to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Connecticut high school student dies suddenly after collapsing at football practice https://t.co/cqMLL0uEL7

— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) October 11, 2023

A 15-year-old high school football player in Connecticut suddenly died during his team’s practice on Tuesday after losing consciousness.

Police and emergency personnel administered CPR to Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, an eleventh-grade student at Windsor High School, but could not… pic.twitter.com/ijsubJI6Ug

— OutKick (@Outkick) October 12, 2023

Connecticut high school football player has died after collapsing on the practice field https://t.co/gMg2caJMO7

— NFL Draft Diamonds ™️ (@DraftDiamonds) October 11, 2023

DIED SUDDENLY Connecticut high school student Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, 15, dies after losing consciousness at football practice as his heartbroken mom pays tribute to 'gentle giant' https://t.co/YSXMMC0sFA

— вєтѕу•ʙᴏꜱꜱ (@misscygnette) October 12, 2023

Daily Mail also provided details:

Windsor High School student Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, 15, lost consciousness during practice Tuesday and was given CPR by police and emergency medical technicians, district superintendent Terrence Hill said in a letter to families.

Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks said Rivera was given CPR immediately by his coaches before police arrived.

Hill said the teen was not engaged in any football drills or tackling at the time.

The student was taken to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, Hill said.

‘Sadly, the medical professionals were unable to revive him,’ he said.

Hill said crisis counselors would be available for students and staff on Wednesday.

It is sad how common these incidents have now become.

Connecticut high school student Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, 15, dies suddenly after losing consciousness at football practice as his heartbroken mom pays tribute to 'gentle giant' pic.twitter.com/0DdoTWLGk6

— SHO’NUFF (@IAMSHO_NUFF) October 12, 2023

There are so many "sudden deaths" in young people and very little coverage or any attempt to figure out why.https://t.co/oXmyBtUEBu

— Kevin Rutherford / Let's Truck 🇺🇸 (@lets_truck) October 12, 2023