HS Football Player Dies After Running Light Practice Drills

A high school football player in Connecticut has died suddenly after collapsing during a Tuesday afternoon practice. 

Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, 15, was running light drill at Window High School when he suddenly collapsed. Coaching staff began CPR, and an ambulance transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

"This is horrible. He was a young man doing what he loved. All our thoughts and prayers are with his family and teammates," Windsor mayor Donald Trinks told Fox 61. 

Dr. Terrell Hill, superintendent of Windsor Public Schools, said in a statement regarding Rivera's passing:

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

Windsor High School and Sage Park Middle School have Crisis Intervention Teams made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. Counselors will be available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We encourage parents and students to access these resources as needed. In addition, we have provided resources on our district website to support the grief process at home. 

Together, we can provide comfort and support to each other through this dark chapter with unwavering compassion and resilience. We will continue to keep the Rivera family, WHS Football Team, and the Windsor High community in our thoughts and prayers.

Windsor officials said Rivera's family requests privacy as they grieve their loss, and there has been no details on the cause of Rivera's death.