A 15-year-old student from a Missouri high school passed away two days after experiencing a medical emergency, which marks the third such case in the U.S. this week.

Emergency services were called to Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Shawnee, just 10 miles south of Kansas City, around 5:32 p.m. on August 14, following reports of a medical emergency, according to a press release from Johnson County Med-Act.

On arrival, responders found the 15-year-old boy in critical condition and transported him to a nearby hospital, as stated by the emergency service.

“We have been informed that the patient has unfortunately passed away,” said Capt. Joe Folsom from Johnson County Med-Act in a statement to YSL News. “MED-ACT extends our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and loved ones of the patient.”

The student has been identified as Ovet Gomez-Regalado, a sophomore at Shawnee Mission High School, reported local news outlet KSHB-TV.

School District Addresses Football Player’s Passing: Reports

The principal of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School sent a letter to parents regarding Gomez-Regalado’s passing, as reported by KDFW-TV, which obtained the letter.

“I am reaching out to share some heartbreaking news. This morning, we were informed of the death of Ovet Gomez-Regalado, a sophomore at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School,” the letter stated. “This has undoubtedly been a challenging time for the family. Ovet was a loving and remarkable student who impacted many lives in our community.”

The letter further noted that many of Gomez-Regalado’s classmates might “need time to come to terms with this tragedy.” The school district is implementing measures to assist the community in coping with this significant loss.

“Staff at the school and district will be available to support anyone struggling with their feelings about this tragic event,” the letter conveyed. “If any students wish to speak with someone, please encourage them to reach out to an adult, and we will provide the necessary support.”

YSL News contacted the Shawnee Mission School District but has not yet received a reply.

Three Deaths of High School Football Players Reported This Week

The passing of Gomez-Regalado is the third reported death of a high school football player in just 12 days.

Javion Taylor, 15, died after participating in approximately 40 minutes of light drills on August 5 in Hopewell, Virginia.

Semaj Wilkins, 14, experienced a medical emergency during an afternoon football practice in Alabama on August 13.

Expert Warns August is a ‘Deadly Month’ for Heat

“August is the most perilous month for high school athletes due to extreme heat,” stated Madeleine Orr, an associate professor in sport ecology at the University of Toronto and author of “Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport.”

“Exertional heat stroke doesn’t develop suddenly; there are warning signs,” Orr explained.

Even if there are no obvious indicators, the athlete has to be aware of their condition, she emphasized.

“Athletes need to feel comfortable informing a coach or trainer if they’re not feeling well,” she noted.

Orr and other experts have voiced concerns regarding the escalating risks to athletes of all ages as climate change progresses.

July and August have the highest rate of heat-related fatalities among athletes, Orr pointed out.

Since 2000, 77 Heat-Related Deaths Have Been Documented

According to a YSL News database, at least 77 heat-related deaths among athletes have been documented since 2000. Out of these, 75% occurred in July and August, with 65% involving teenagers. These figures do not include the recent fatalities.

“Temperatures are rising, and athletes are not accustomed to competing in harsh weather yet,” Orr stated. “This is when athletes are least prepared and also when it’s hottest.”

“Athletes returning to practices are often not as fit as they would be months earlier and are not yet acclimatized to the current heat.”

Experts believe that heat-related fatalities are significantly underreported in the U.S., partially because those signing death certificates may be unaware of the conditions leading to hospitalization or death.

“Tracking deaths due to exertional heat stroke is quite challenging,” Orr said. “You need to measure the internal body temperature at the time of the incident.”

“If coaches are unaware to check this, the illness might be misattributed by the time the athlete reaches the hospital,” she added.

GoFundMe Set Up for Kansas City High School Football Player

A family friend, Candie Dearing, established a GoFundMe to assist the Gomez-Regalado family.

In a message on the campaign, Dearing described Gomez-Regalado as the youngest son in his family.

“Ovet was just 15 years old and among the kindest individuals,” Dearing wrote. “He brought smiles and hugs to everyone he met. All who knew him cherished him. Let’s unite in support and help this family as they navigate this immense loss.”

As of this writing, the campaign has raised $19,571 toward a $25,000 goal.