An Ohio schoolgirl collapsed on a football field during a high school homecoming pageant.
17-year-old Breanne McKean was a Mapleton High School senior who collapsed suddenly on a football field during a pre-game ceremony shortly after she was announced as a contender for the homecoming queen.
According to the reports, the teenager was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead that same day.
A statement from her school has since confirmed that the student died from an undisclosed medical emergency.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Mapleton Local School District announces the passing of Bre McKean,” the statement read.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the McKean family, friends and the Mapleton community.”
Breanne, who was the daughter of her school’s athletic director Tim McKean, was an avid student and passionate athlete who was involved in sports including basketball, softball, and volleyball.
“She was everything to us,” her heartbroken father said.
Following the girl’s collapse on the field and the news of her passing, the game was suspended. All athletic events through October 4 were also postponed.
“Like many have said, to know Bre was to love Bre. If you’re from the outside looking in you can tell Bre loves life… every picture she’s smiling… always with her friends, she has so many,” one student wrote in a tribute to the young girl.
“We just miss you so much, but we’re trying to be happy, for you… our sweet, funny, beautiful, kind, perfect angel.”
Her softball coach, Mike Leibolt, added: “We all lost a special person when Bre was taken too soon. She touched so many people in so many different ways especially with that infectious smile.
“It’s gonna be hard for most of us to move on but we know that’s what you would want so we will suffer through it and push forward. You may be gone but never forgotten.”
Our thoughts are with Breanne’s family and friends during this challenging time.