15-year-old Macon football player collapses, dies after practice
MACON, Ga. - A 15-year-old high school football player died after collapsing at the first day of practice in middle Georgia.
Bibb County school district officials say Joshua Ivory, a student at Southwest High School in Macon, went into distress Monday, prompting coaches to call an ambulance.
"Joshua was a wonderful young man full of promise and zeal," Southwest High School Principal Bernard Young said in a letter to the school community on Tuesday. "He had an infectious smile and a very kind heart. He enjoyed sports and spending time with his family."
"Joshua's personality made it easy for him to make a great impression and huge impact on his teammates, coaches, and the entire Southwest family. He was one of a kind. A great example of a Southwest High School Patriot."
Monday was the first day of practice for teams statewide. Rules call for a five-day period for players to get used to heat and physical exertion while practicing in shorts and helmets. Aug. 2 is the first day that players are allowed to practice in pads.
According to the National Weather Service, Macon reached a high of 97 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday before 4 p.m. The practice started at 6 p.m., according to The Telegraph of Macon.
Ivory died in a hospital emergency room, Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones said. No cause of death has been announced and an autopsy is planned.
WATCH: FOX 5 Atlanta live news coverage
_____
Sign up for FOX 5 email alerts
Download the FOX 5 Atlanta app for breaking news and weather alerts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.