Star Ifeacho, a 15-year-old high school basketball player from Kentucky, collapsed and died during a training session.
Ifeacho, a 6’1″ star player, collapsed during an open gym session at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky, around 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 26.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the sophomore had been working on drills and playing two-on-two with teammates when the shocking incident occurred.
The cause of Ifeacho’s death is unknown and an autopsy is being carried out today Thursday, April 27.
Via Lexington Herald-Leader:
Fayette County schools spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall said some basketball players were working on drills and playing two-on-two basketball games in the presence of coaches and an athletic trainer.
“Star had stopped shooting baskets and was with the athletic trainer when he collapsed in the locker room,” Fayette schools Superintendent Manny Caulk said in a news release. “The athletic trainer immediately provided emergency care, including CPR and the use of the AED (automated external defibrillator), while 911 was called. When paramedics arrived, they took over his care and transported him to the hospital.”
Caulk said counseling and mental health services would be made available to affected students and staff on Dunbar’s campus.
Tributes to Ifeacho were shared on Twitter by friends and teammates:
You just ran up 2 me this morning and gave me a big hug and said what up Kaelen boy! Damn bruh I'm gnna miss u, can't believe u gone😪#LLS pic.twitter.com/ksSjv9C004
— KAELEN🤷🏽♂️ (@DoItForTheMain4) April 27, 2017
i seen so much potential in you…i wanna let you know i love you boy your name is star for a reason shine bright on us💔..#LLS🌠 pic.twitter.com/m9kR6SfEk3
— T Ho11ingsworth (@Lil_Tay3) April 27, 2017
Julian Tackett, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association commissioner, released a statement on Ifeacho’s death:
“The absolute worst part of my job is getting a call like I received Wednesday night with the sudden loss of this young man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family, the Paul Laurence Dunbar and Fayette County school community, and all of those who valiantly tried to save this young man following his incident. We recognize the fragile nature of life itself and wish peace on all who knew this fine young man during this difficult time.”
Ifeacho was averaging 6.8 points and 5.9 rebounds while playing in all 30 of Dunbar’s games this season. He would have been the second-leading returning scorer next season.
RIP.
