15-year-old dies after football practice at Georgia high school

BIBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia high school is mourning the death of a student who died after suffering a medical emergency after football practice.

During practice at Southwest High School in Macon on Monday night, student athlete Joshua Ivory Jr. suffered a medical emergency, the school said.

The boy was rushed to the hospital where he died later that evening.

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Ivory would have been 16 years old this fall.

The school’s principal released a statement about the death:

“Joshua was a wonderful young man full of promise and zeal. He had an infectious smile and a very kind heart. He enjoyed sports and spending time with his family. Joshua’s personality made it easy for him to make a great impression and huge impact on his teammates, coaches, and the entire Southwest family. He was one of a kind. A great example of a Southwest High School Patriot,” wrote principal A. Bernard Young on Facebook.

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The school said counselors will be with students and faculty for support.

“This is not how anyone envisions the start of a new school year, but I know we will get through this together as patriots. Supporting each other as I know we can is what will help us get through this difficult time,” Young said.

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