The entire United Local Schools' community is mourning the death of 12-year-old Gavin Ward. He collapsed and died after his junior high football team's practice Monday night.
"Gavin was going into seventh grade. He had been at the elementary and was moving on up to be a junior high student and couldn't wait to play football," says RuthAnn Rinto, Superintendent of United Local Schools.
Rinto couldn't confirm the circumstances surrounding Ward's death, but reports say the soon-to-be seventh-grader suffered a suspected asthma attack after practice. He was taken to Salem Community Hospital, but couldn't be revived.
Gavin's parents, Mike and Denise are both teachers at United High School, and Mike is also a volunteer coach on Gavin's football team. Rinto says Mike was with his son before, during, and after practice. She adds, "It is just a sad tragedy for our community and for the family. Our hearts just go out to them."
Rinto says Gavin grew up around United athletics, always with his dad and the teams as a water boy, or basketball helper. Every student athlete, including Gavin, had doctors check their overall health during pre-season physicals.
"We make sure before our players are out on the field, that every medical paper has been turned in," says Rinto.
Coaches, guidance counselors and local ministers were at the school Tuesday morning to help friends, teammates and members of the United Local family through this difficult time. Football practices are cancelled for a few days out of respect to the Ward family.
"I think it's just one of those reminders that we all hold our own children a little closer and give them an extra hug, because you just never know what's going to happen next," says Rinto.
There's no word on plans for funeral services for Gavin Ward at this time.
