IRMO, S.C. — A football player with Dutch Fork High School near Irmo has died after collapsing at football practice.
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford Wednesday identified the student as 17-year-old Jack Alkhatib of Irmo.
Lexington-Richland School District Five sent a statement late Tuesday night confirming the student, who they did not identify at that time, had passed away.
“The death of any youth in our community is a tragedy for all,” the statement said. “At this difficult time, we turn our attention to supporting the family.”
Rutherford said the student was taken to Prisma Health-Parkridge where he was pronounced dead.
The district did not say at what time during practice the incident happened. Lexington-Richland Five said they will have counselors at the school for the next several days.
The Dutch Fork High football team tweet a message Wednesday morning.
“The pain we all feel is immeasurable,” the team wrote. “Please keep our team, our Dutch Fork family, and especially the family of our @AlkhatibJack lifted in prayers. There is a tribute memorial on our football field. Psalm 34:18 We love you Jack.”
Here is the full statement from the district:
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the death of a Dutch Fork High School student who passed away Tuesday after collapsing at football practice. The death of any youth in our community is a tragedy for all. At this difficult time, we turn our attention to supporting the family.
“Out of respect for the family, we will not share details or release the name of the student. Our focus is on supporting our staff and our students in the coming days.
“This is a sad day for us and our entire community is grieving this loss. Additional counselors and district support will be available to students over the next few days.”