Texas High School Football Player Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency at Practice

A sophomore junior varsity football player has died in Texas, just two days after he reported not feeling well during practice at Lancaster High School.

According to a report from the Dallas Morning News, the 15-year-old was pronounced dead at Children's Medical Center just two days after he was rushed there by paramedics.

Texas High School Football Player Dies

Preston Malon III, a 15-year-old football player had reportedly told the coaching staff that he was not feeling well during conditioning drills during practice. The Dallas Morning News reports that athletic trainers began treating Preston immediately. Officials say they followed heat safety protocols put out by the UIL which include placing the person in a cold tub.

Officials say that Malon had showed some improvement before he was taken to the hospital. District officials released a statement about the steps they took for heat safety protocols.

“Our Lancaster ISD athletic training staff carefully followed all UIL and district heat safety protocols and procedures, which included adjusting practice times, utilizing indoor facilities, maintaining hydration stations, monitoring real-time heat conditions, and ensuring certified athletic trainers were on site,” the district statement said. “When the medical emergency occurred, our staff responded immediately and with great care for our student.”

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Late Summer Practices Can Lead To High Risk

According to the Dallas Morning News, late summer practices with heavy pads put players at a higher risk than other athletes. Between 1992 and 2024, at least 58 players have died from exertional heat stroke.

Lancaster ISD has canceled football practices for the rest of the week, including a Thursday night scrimmage.