DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A high school student gone too soon - 15-year-old Mikah King died following a football practice where he suffered a medical condition.
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The DeKalb County School System says Mikah died after practicing with the Arabia Mountain High School football team Tuesday.
“As a member of the community, I feel like we’re all affected, somehow, some way,” Pastor Lisa Bush said. “This should affect each and every one of us.”
People in the community told Channel 2’s Tom Jones that we all have to make sure our kids are safe and healthy before they suit up.
Bush says the loss of Mikah should be a wakeup call to everyone in the community and kids must be healthy before they hit the field.
“Winning cannot be our goal,” she said. “Your health has to be our goal.”
The sudden loss hit the community hard.
Mikah’s death comes less than two weeks before the new school year starts. The school system says it has sent counselors for anyone who needs help processing what happened.
The principal of the school sent out this statement to parents, students and staff:
“The entire King family is in our thoughts and prayers. And we ask that you keep them lifted in love and comfort as they navigate this heartbreaking moment.”
Lester Bullard didn’t know Mikah, but his death still hit him hard.
He lives near the high school and offers his condolences to the family.
“I know it’s going to be a long road to recovery, so I wish the best for them,” he said.
Mikah’s family started a GoFundMe to help with funeral and memorial costs.
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