Kansas high school football player dies after medical emergency

A Kansas high school football player has died just a few days after suffering a medical emergency, according to multiple reports.

KMBC reported that a football player from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School had an unspecified medical emergency after an off-season conditioning session on Wednesday and then died on Friday.

According to an email sent out to the student body and families on Friday, the deceased football player was revealed to be sophomore Ovet Gomez Regalado.

KSHB reported he was 15 years old.

“Death is always difficult to handle, but particularly so when someone so young dies,” wrote school principal Dr. Lisa Gruman, per KMBC. “It will be important to recognize that all of us will need time to process what has happened, and to express our feelings. Your child may struggle to make sense of this death. Please encourage your child to express their feelings, and be there to talk with them about what has happened.”

Additionally, a statement was released by the Shawnee Mission Northwest Football Booster Club in the wake of Gomez Regalado’s passing.

“Our football family has suffered the tragic loss of one our own,” the statement read. “We were informed this morning of the passing of Ovet Gomez Regalado. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, teammates, and coaches. We know many of you will want to find a way to support the family and honor his memory. We will work with the school district to support their efforts and share with you any opportunities that arise.”

This news comes just days after a 14-year-old Alabama football player passed away suddenly after collapsing in a practice.

According to KMBC, Shawnee Mission Northwest football had been scheduled to begin practice on Monday in anticipation of their 2024 season.