15-year-old dies after collapsing during no-contact football practice, officials say

A 15-year-old high school student in Connecticut collapsed during football practice and was later pronounced dead on Oct. 10, the district superintendent announced.

Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera of Windsor High school lost consciousness during a non-contact practice following a bye-week for the team, teammate Missoni Brown told WTNH.

“We were all having a walk-through because we had a bye-week. We’re all thinking everything is going good,” teammate Missoni Brown told WTNH. “Every guy is getting his reps, and he just falls. We were all just taking a knee on the ‘W.’”

Mayor Donald Trinks and superintendent Terrell Hill confirmed that it was a “light” non-contact practice, WTNH and NBC Connecticut reported.

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

Rivera was given CPR on the field by emergency responders, the Associated Press noted, but was pronounced dead at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

His teammates and classmates are now mourning his loss.

“He was a fun guy on and off the field, he was a cool person to be around,” Brown told WTNH.

“He helped me out with my homework. He was good like that, for me. He didn’t want to see no one struggle,” Malachi Eaddy, a Windsor High School student, told WTIC-TV during student drop-off on Wednesday.

Windsor is about 5 miles north of Hartford.

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