Pictured: Tennessee cross-country star, 15, who collapsed and died while jogging
A 15-year-old cross-country runner from Tennessee tragically died on Tuesday while jogging in his neighborhood.
Tristen Franklin – of Sycamore High School in the Nashville suburbs – collapsed while on his usual afternoon run as temperatures exceeded 100 degrees.
His neighbor, Troy Simpkins, said he had seen Franklin on his usual run and did not think anything was wrong until another neighbor frantically called his husband to help the ailing teen.
Despite life-saving efforts, Franklin succumbed to his injuries. His cause of death has not yet been released as the coroner continues his examination.
The community mourned the loss of the young athlete, expressing condolences to his family and friends.
Tristen Franklin, 15, of Sycamore High School in Cheatham County, collapsed while on his usual afternoon run, when temperatures exceeded 100 degrees.
His neighbor, Troy Simpkins, said he had seen Franklin on his usual run and did not think anything unusual until his husband was called by another neighbor to help the dying teen
“My heart just goes out to them. I mean, it is so sad. He was so young and had his whole life ahead of him,” Simpkins said. “Tell the people in your life how much you love them.”
The Cheatham County School District released a statement expressing their grief and offering counseling support to students and staff affected by the loss.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time. The impact of such a loss is immeasurable,” a spokesperson with the school district shared.
Other young athletes have had fatal incidents on the field this summer as sweltering temperatures have continued to soar.
Earlier this month, 15-year-old Ovet Gomez Regalado, a Missouri high school football player has tragically died after suffering a medical emergency after practice in 100-degree heat earlier this week.
The student, a sophomore at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas City was found in critical condition when Johnson County Med-Act crews responded to the school on August 14 at 5:25 pm – after reporters of the ‘medical emergency’.
Other young athletes have had fatal incidents on the field this summer as temperatures have continued to swelter
The 15-year-old had been participating in off-season football conditioning for the school’s team – which he has played for since his freshman year.
Ovet played both offensive and defensive roles, playing as a nose guard, defensive tackle, center and guard at different times, according to athletic stats posted online.
SMNW Principal Lisa Gruman remembered Regalado as a ‘warm and wonderful student that touched the hearts of so many in our community.’