WINDSOR, Conn — A Windsor High School student and football player has tragically passed away following a practice on Tuesday afternoon, according to town officials.
Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, 15, was running light drills when he suddenly collapsed, Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks said. The coaching staff started CPR, and an ambulance transported him to Connecticut Children's, where he was pronounced dead.
"This is horrible. He was a young man doing what he loved. All our thoughts and prayers are with his family and teammates," said Trinks.
“He helped me out with my homework. He was good like that, for me. He didn’t want to see no one struggle,” Malachi Eaddy, a Windsor High School student, told FOX61 during student drop-off on Wednesday.
"He was a great kid. Every time I scored on JV, he'd lift me up. But now, I don't got that no more," student Missoni Brown said.
Dr. Terrell Hill, superintendent of Windsor Public Schools, said in a statement regarding Rivera's passing:
I am deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of our beloved Windsor High School students, Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera. During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends who are grappling with this unthinkable loss.
Windsor High School and Sage Park Middle School have Crisis Intervention Teams made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. Counselors will be available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We encourage parents and students to access these resources as needed. In addition, we have provided resources on our district website to support the grief process at home.
Together, we can provide comfort and support to each other through this dark chapter with unwavering compassion and resilience. We will continue to keep the Rivera family, WHS Football Team, and the Windsor High community in our thoughts and prayers.
Windsor officials said Rivera's family requests privacy as they grieve their loss.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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