15-Year-Old Connecticut Football Player Dies During Team Practice
A town in Connecticut is mourning the death of a high school football player who died on Tuesday after losing consciousness during practice.
15-Year-Old Connecticut Football Player Dies During Team Practice
According to school authorities, Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, a 15-year-old Windsor High School student and part of the football team, died after losing consciousness during an afternoon practice.
At the time of the event, Rivera was not participating in any football exercises or tackles.
Gone from our sight but never from our hearts we mourn the passing of Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, an amazing son, brother, athlete, student and friend. #65 Forever in our hearts. We will miss you Big Texas, Love you. This season is dedicated to you and Coach Knight #LL65 #Family pic.twitter.com/1XpDuzoU44
— Windsor Football (@WHSFootballCT) October 11, 2023
He was brought to Hartford’s Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Police and medical professionals attempted to resuscitate Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, an eleventh-grade student at Windsor High School, but were unable.
Our hearts are with the @WHSFootballCT community. Sending our sincere condolences and prayers to the friends and family of Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera. #cthsfb ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PduvfGl8ZB
— Trumbull Football (@TrumbullFB) October 12, 2023
“Very nice, a very funny kid, and just always brightened up whenever he walked into a room,” Windsor freshman Maria Tostarelli told the publication.
“They know as well that while they’re sad they’re not sad alone right now. They have each other and they’ll use those relationships and the spirit of who Elijah was to carry them through this,” Dr. Glenn Lungarini, the executive director of Connecticut’s Interscholastic Athletic Conference, said.
#DiedSuddenly Officials in Connecticut say a 15-year-old high school football player died after a medical emergency at practice. #CrimesAgainstHumanity
Officials identified the Windsor High School student as 15-year-old Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera. pic.twitter.com/mrkRPnW3xN— Michaella Collins (@MissIn4Nation) October 11, 2023
Rivera, nicknamed “Big Texas” by his teammates, had returned to Connecticut in June to focus on school and football, according to his mother, Chastity Hernandez, who spoke to Hearst Connecticut Media Group.
Rivera enjoyed automobiles and sports, and his favourite NFL club was the Atlanta Falcons, according to Hernandez.
Connecticut HS football player dead at 15 after practice emergency A Connecticut community is mourning the loss of a high school football player who died on Tuesday after losing consciousness during practice. Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, a 15-year-old student at Windsor High … pic.twitter.com/m8PFpE02AT
— Let's Talk About Dis Shidd (@MrsBarnesII) October 11, 2023
A candlelight vigil was conducted on the football field Tuesday night, and members of the Windsor football team stated they would dedicate the rest of the season to him and go onto the field wearing his jersey at their next home game.
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