Missouri high school football player dies after collapsing during practice in third on-field death this month

A Missouri high school football player has tragically died after suffering a medical emergency after practice in 100-degree heat earlier this week.

The student, a sophomore at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri, died on Friday.

He was identified as 15-year-old Ovet Gomez Regalado in a letter from the district sent to families after the devastating loss. 

Ovet was found in critical condition when Johnson County Med-Act crews responded to the school on Wednesday at 5:25 pm – after reporters of the ‘medical emergency’.

The Missouri teen’s death was the third high school football fatality to take place this season, as temperatures around the US have surged. 

Ovet (pictured far left) was found in critical condition when Johnson County Med-Act crews responded to the school on Wednesday at 5:25 pm – after reporters of the ‘medical emergency’

The 15-year-old had been participating in off-season football conditioning for the school’s team – which he has played for since his freshman year.

Ovet played both offensive and defensive roles, playing as a nose guard, defensive tackle, center and guard at different times, according to athletic stats posted online.

SMNW Principal Lisa Gruman remembered Regalado as a ‘warm and wonderful student that touched the hearts of so many in our community.’  

News of Ovet’s heartbreaking death comes just days after another high school football player died in Alabama.

The 14-year-old, who has been identified as Semaj Wilkins of New Brockton, collapsed during a sweltering practice. 

His identity was confirmed by Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham , according to WDHN.com. 

The 14-year-old has been identified by the Coffee County Coroner as Semaj Wilkins (pictured)

The local school has since confirmed his identity as the New Brockton High School freshman.

‘I am asking the community to continue to be in prayer for his family, his teammates, his coaches, and all affected by the tragic loss of Mr. Wilkins,’ Woodham said in a statement.

As Woodham told WDHN, Wilkins suffered a medical emergency at around 4:30pm on Tuesday, when the area was under a level-3 heat risk, which is considered high. Temperatures in the area were around 100 degrees at 4pm according to the local station.

Players defended the school’s heat protocol while speaking to WDHN.

Last week, another high school football star died in front of his teammates after suffering a heart attack during practice.

Jayvion Taylor, 15, was around 40 minutes into practice last Monday night at Hopewell High School when he collapsed after a water break.

Jayvion Taylor, 15, was around 40 minutes into practice on Monday night at Hopewell High School when he collapsed after a water break

Two coaches attempted CPR on Taylor and dialed 911 with paramedics arriving and taking him to a hospital where he died.

Taylor was a 10th grade student who played football for the school, which has since remembered him as being a ‘genuine and remarkable student’.

His coaches and teammates also shared similar sentiments about the teenager.

A statement from the school said: ‘This 15-year-old young man was considered one of the most genuine and remarkable students our staff have ever worked with. 

‘He was considered a ‘light’ to all who met him and left a lasting impact.’