One month after being critically injured by a falling tree, a 15-year-old Parkland High School cross-country runner has died in connection with his injuries.
The student-athlete was running during practice on the Little Lehigh Parkway Path in Allentown, Pa., when a tree snapped during a gust of wind and struck him in the head. Teammates attempted to provide aid until first responders arrived, and he was transported to Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital.
According to The Morning Call, the teen was pronounced dead on Oct. 25. The coroner said his cause of death is “complications of multiple blunt-force injuries.”
Related: High School Cross Country Athlete Critically Injured by Falling Tree During Practice
In the month since the accident, the swelling of his brain continued and he ultimately suffered cardiac arrest.
“Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends and all of those impacted by this tragic loss,” said Parkland School District spokeswoman Nicole Mehta McGalla in an email to staff and families. “We have encouraged parents to check in with their children at home and have open conversations about how they are coping with the loss of their classmate.”
According to Lehigh Valley Live, the school district has made grief counselors available for students and staff, and the family has established a GoFundMe to cover the Sophomore’s medical expenses, saying, “In an instant, a Saturday morning practice transformed into a desperate battle for survival.”
