Fourteen-year-old Knox MacEwen tragically died after collapsing during a 5K run at Everglades High School in Florida. A member of the JROTC program at Western High School, Knox was rushed to the hospital but later pronounced dead. Miramar Police confirmed officers responded to a medical emergency around 9 a.m.

Principal Jimmy Arrojo said, “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.”

Doctors believe Knox suffered cardiac arrest. The Mayo Clinic explains this is “a sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular rhythm” and is a leading cause of death in young athletes. Dr. Adam Kean warned, “This is the awful reality… we can’t predict when the terrible event is going to happen.”

A GoFundMe created by Knox’s family reveals his mother is still recovering from cancer. The page calls him “a revered member of his local community,” with donations exceeding $90,000 to help cover funeral costs and support his grieving family.