BLOOMFIELD, Conn. — An unnamed student-athlete who was playing for the Bloomfield Junior Warhawk Football Team collapsed and died during a practice on Wednesday evening.
The announcement was made Friday evening by Bloomfield Public Schools Interim Superintendent Bethany Silver and Bloomfield Town Manager Alvin Schwapp, Jr.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the unexpected passing of one of our community’s beloved children,” Silver and Schwapp, Jr. said in a joint statement posted to Facebook.
After collapsing during practice, staff and emergency personnel tried unsuccessfully to revive the player, who recently transferred to Manchester High School. He began the school year at Bloomfield High School.
In the statement, Silver and Schwapp, Jr. said the tragic loss is affecting the community deeply. Their thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
“As we navigate this profound loss together, we want to emphasize the importance of supporting one another,” they said. “We encourage all students, staff and families to reach out for help and to lean on each other for support and strength.”
Counseling services will be available on Monday at Bloomfield High School and Carmen Arace Schools. The town and district are committed to making sure that students and staff have access to the resources that they need as they mourn.
Silver and Schwapp, Jr. say they will work closely with the child’s family to ensure their wishes are followed and to collaborate on appropriate ways to celebrate his life within the community.
“We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy as they cope with this unimaginable loss,” they said. “Let us all support each other as we navigate this difficult path. We are here for you.”
FOX61 has reached out to Manchester High School for a statement; this is a developing story, and updates will be provided as soon as they are received.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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