A high school football practice took a tragic turn Monday.
Curtis High School junior defensive tackle Miles Kirkland-Thomas collapsed and died following a series of wind sprints, his father told the New York Daily News.
Kirkland-Thomas, 16, showed up late for practice and was asked by coaches to complete some sprints to make up for his tardiness. The Daily News reports he stopped after completing two sprints.
He then collapsed while talking to one of his coaches. He went into cardiac arrest and later died at a Staten Island hospital.
Below are a few photos from Kirkland-Thomas’ Instagram account:
Kirkland-Thomas’ death is still under investigation, but the temperature during practice Monday will certainly be under the microscope. According to the New York Daily News, the National Weather Service reported temperatures of 80 degrees around the time of the teen’s death.
New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina issued the following statement via the Staten Island Advance:
I am deeply saddened to learn of this tragic loss, and my heart goes out to the family. We will be supporting the school community as we investigate the matter.
Curtis High’s Athletic Director Eric Ritzer told the Advance the school’s football coaches are “distraught beyond imagination.”
The varsity team is set to open its season Saturday. Scores of fellow students and friends took to social media paying tribute to Miles, who wore number 54:
https://twitter.com/ont_Lahh/status/506484593898573824
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