14-Year-Old Boy Passes Away After Suffering Cardiac Arrest During 5K

A 14-year-old Florida boy died after suffering cardiac arrest while running a 5K with his school JROTC program on Saturday.

“Police said in a statement that they found the teen experiencing cardiac arrest when they arrived at the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) 5K at Everglades High School in Miramar, Florida,” NBC News reports.

The teenager was transported to Memorial Miramar Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

“I am saddened to share tragic news impacting our Wildcat community. One of our JROTC students passed away this morning after being transported to the hospital,” Jimmy Arrojo, Western High School Principal, said in a statement.

WATCH:

14-Year-Old Florida Boy Dies After Suffering Cardiac Arrest While Running a 5K

“This is an ongoing investigation” pic.twitter.com/grYlpjpIHT

— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) November 6, 2023

NBC News reports:

However, according to a GoFundMe, the student was Knox MacEwen, who participated in the JROTC program at Western High School in Davie, Florida, and volunteered at his church in the kids’ ministry. His mother, Julie, recently had cancer, and the family is still grappling with the lingering physical and financial effects of her illness, the GoFundMe said.

“The family has been through the unimaginable,” the GoFundMe said, adding the funds raised will “allow Knox’s parents, Kevin and Julie, to take time off work to grieve.”

Western High School announced that grief counselors would be available for students in need of support.

Florida Boy, 14, Dies Suddenly After Suffering Cardiac Arrest While Running a 5K. People are shocked and saddened but experts already are screaming. It’s just a coincidence. What do you think? Is it a coincidence? Say yes or no below. 👇👇👇 https://t.co/rBkYeVvZ5A

— Erin Elizabeth Health Nut News 🙌 (@unhealthytruth) November 6, 2023

People added:

The account has already raised over $56,000 to help support the family.

“This family has been through the unimaginable, as this has happened as Knox’s mom, Julie, is still physically and financially recovering from a hard fought battle with cancer this last year,” said Lauren Milam, who created the GoFundMe on their behalf. “Any gifts will go directly to the MacEwen family, and are deeply appreciated.”

Cardiac arrest — also known as sudden cardiac arrest — is the abrupt loss of heart function, resulting from a problem with the heart’s electrical system, according to the Mayo Clinic. This disrupts the heart’s pumping action and stops blood flow through the body.

It can be fatal if proper steps aren’t taken immediately. CPR can improve the chances of survival until emergency medical assistance arrives. More than 356,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital in the United States each year, according to the American Heart Association.

The elephant in the room is whether or not the teenager received the experimental COVID-19 shot, which is known to cause cardiac-related conditions like myocarditis and pericarditis.