A 14-year-old boy has tragically died after collapsing mid-race during a 5K run over the weekend in Florida.
The teen, identified by family members as Knox MacEwen, went into cardiac arrest while participating in a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) exercise at Everglades High School on Saturday morning.
According to Miramar police, emergency crews were called to the scene just after 9AM and rushed the teen to Memorial Miramar Hospital.
But despite their efforts, MacEwen could not be saved and was later pronounced dead.
The young boy was a student at Western High School in Davie, where grief had settled heavily over the campus.
Western High Principal Jimmy Arrojo confirmed the tragedy in a message to the school community and shared that grief counselors would be available throughout the week.
“One of our JROTC students passed away this morning after being transported to the hospital. I want to offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, teachers, and classmates as they mourn this great loss,” Arrojo wrote, per The Independent.
“I ask our Wildcat community to rally around the family in prayer and support during this time of deep sorrow," he added.
MacEwen’s death has sent shockwaves beyond the school grounds. At Crossway Church in Cooper City, Pastor Jon Elswick reflected on the teen’s character and the impact he had on those around him.
“Knox’s dad said to me a couple of days ago, that Knox was the best of us, and I love that phrase because if you knew Knox, that’s who he was, right, this is a teenager who when you think about him, you think of a loving kid, a caring kid, a funny kid,” Elswick said.
In the days following the tragedy, a friend of the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Knox’s parents.
"On November 4th, 2023, the MacEwen family suddenly and tragically lost their beloved 14-year-old son, Knox. He was a revered member of his local community - a JROTC student, a volunteer with the kids ministry at his home church; and he was a beloved brother, son, grandson, nephew, and friend," the page read.
"The purpose of this fundraiser to help with funeral expenses, and to allow Knox’s parents, Kevin and Julie, to take some time off of work to grieve," they added.
The fundraiser has already surpassed $93,541, exceeding the $30K goal. The money will go toward funeral costs and giving his parents the chance to take time off work to grieve.
Adding to the heartbreak, the page revealed that Knox’s mother, Julie, “is still physically and financially recovering from a hard-fought battle with cancer this last year".
Our thoughts are with MacEwen's loved ones at this time.