14-Year-Old High Schooler Dies After Collapsing During Basketball Practice: ‘A Truly Special Young Man’

A 14-year-old student in Pittsburgh has died after collapsing during basketball practice at his school.

Local outlet WTAE reports that Jaiquawn Jay, a student at Imani Christian Academy, became unresponsive during practice and was taken to UPMC Children’s Hospital, where he later died.

According to a medical examiner’s report obtained by the station, Jay collapsed at around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

As reported by KDKA, an email sent to parents at Imani Christian Academy said the teenager “became unresponsive while taking a break during basketball practice and later died en route to Children’s Hospital.”

Authorities have not released further information about what caused Jay’s collapse.

In a statement to WTAE, Imani Christian basketball coach Khayree Wilson said, “Last night– our Imani family and the East Side community lost a truly special young man, Jaiquawn Jay.”

Wilson described Jay as “an incredible kid” who was “hard-working, respectful, and built with a quiet toughness that set him apart,” adding, “This loss will sit heavily on our hearts for a long time.”

A GoFundMe was set up to support Jay’s family following his death, with a goal of $3,500. The page notes that Jay was born on March 31, 2011, and loved playing baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. It also shares that his favorite color was teal blue.

Jay was the youngest of four brothers, with his older brothers ages 35, 31 and 30, according to the fundraiser.

A nearby school community also offered its support. In a social media post, Woodland Hills High School wrote, “Our hearts are with the entire Imani Christian Academy basketball family for the loss of one of your own. No team should ever have to experience this kind of pain. We stand with you in love, strength, and solidarity.”

The message continued: “To the player’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches — we are lifting you up during this unimaginable time. May his memory live on both on and off the court.”