Parents whose children are Xavier School students were wondering why all varsity activities were cancelled, with rumors of a student of theirs who collapsed on the basketball court. Manila Bulletin reached out to the School President Fr. Ari Dy, SJ for more details, “A Grade 8 basketball athlete passed away after feeling dizzy and was rushed to the hospital. All other details regarding the incident are speculative.”
Xavier School San Juan also made an announcement yesterday, July 6, on their official Facebook page—From the School President, Fr. Ari Dy, SJ: “To show solidarity with the basketball varsity community that is in mourning, and to minimize occasions for possible Covid infection at this time when there is an uptick of cases in Metro Manila, all after-school sports activities are indefinitely suspended starting Thursday, July 7. Please be guided accordingly.”
A follow-up letter with more details was released earlier tonight from Fr. Dy and the High School Principal Mrs. Theresa Ladrido. “As you all know by now, one of our Grade 8 students passed away on Wednesday evening, July 6. He was a member of the basketball varsity team, and has been training in school ever since we started allowing vaccinated students to participate in sports program a few months ago.”
“During a water break early in the session, he complained of dizziness and leaned on a teammate who assisted him so he wouldn’t fall. Others called for help while the coach attended to the student. Following school protocol, the school ambulance was immediately mobilized so the boy could be brought to the hospital. He was still conscious and talking until he reached the emergency room, after which he had a seizure and doctors tried valiantly to revive him.”
“We are all hurting from this extraordinary incident. It is very painful to see someone who seems so healthy and athletic pass away so suddenly. This death is especially heartbreaking for his family.”
“There has been so much speculation about the cause of death, and this is not helping. May we please ask you all to support the family by not spreading unverified information? In due time, maybe the family will have more details to share with us.”
“In the meantime, let us pray for the peace of his soul and the consolation of his family. On Monday, July 11, we will have a mass at the Angelo King Multi-Purpose Center at 3:20 p.m. for those who wish to attend. Thank you very much.”