High school student collapses, dies at track practice

A Missouri high school senior died Wednesday of apparent cardiac arrest at the school after he collapsed while participating in track practice at Raymore-Peculiar High School.

District officials identified the student as 17-year-old Ja’Leel Freeman, KCTV reports.

West Peculiar firefighters responded to the high school, located at 20801 S. School Rd., about 5 p.m. after being notified of Freeman’s difficulty breathing.

School staff members performed CPR until paramedics arrived. When crews arrived on the scene, the teen was found to be in cardiac arrest in the locker room.

Advanced life support care was started by EMTs and paramedics. Freeman was then rushed to an area hospital where he later died.

“The district extends sympathy to Ja’Leel’s family and friends. Funeral arrangements will be shared when they become available,” the district said in a written statement.