15-Year-Old High School Student Dies During Football Practice in Virginia

Jayvion Taylor died of a heart attack, his family confirmed

A 15-year-old high school student died this week during football practice in Virginia after having a heart attack, his family confirmed.

Jayvion "Jay" Taylor was running "light drills" that followed standard safety protocols during junior varsity football practice on Monday, Aug, 5 before he collapsed on the field about 40 minutes into practice, per a Facebook statement posted by Hopewell City Public Schools (HCPS) on Aug. 6.

While the athlete wasn't identified in the school's statement, his family confirmed it was Taylor while speaking CBS affiliate WTVR.

Per the HCPS, Taylor collapsed after a water break about 10 feet away from one of his coaches. Two coaches near the incident immediately began performing CPR and called authorities.

Related: 18-Year-Old Dies Weeks After Collapsing During Her High School Graduation

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Paramedics arrived on the scene before anyone used an automated external defibrillator (AED) although they had access to one. The HCPS added that Taylor was provided with additional medical support by the paramedics and was transported to a local hospital.

"Our coaches and team are about much more than just football and are devastated. We respectfully ask that the entire school community be allowed time to grieve the overwhelming loss of this remarkable young man," the HCPS said.

Grief counseling is being provided to staff and students, HCPS added.

Taylor's family later confirmed to WTVR that the teenager, who was in the 10th grade, died of a heart attack at the hospital. Although none of his family members spoke to the news site on camera, one of his friends described Taylor as "kind and sweet."

Per the outlet, a teammate said Taylor would "try to get to know" everyone at school, no matter their popularity status. Taylor was also described by friends as "positive" and "one of the best guys I've ever known."

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