While running a 5K in Florida, 14-year-old Knox MacEwen collapsed and died on November 4, 2023, according to NBC 6 South Florida.
The teen boy was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program at his Western High School in Davie, Florida.
Unfortunately, his young life was cut short after he suffered a cardiac arrest while participating in a 5K the program held.
According to NBC Miami, the young boy was transported to Memorial Hospital Miramar where he was later pronounced d:e:ad.
“I am saddened to share tragic news impacting our Wildcat community. One of our JROTC students passed away this morning after being transported to the hospital,” the school’s principal, Jimmy Arrojo, said in a message to students, families and staff. “I want to offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, teachers, and classmates as they mourn this great loss.”
He continued, “I ask our Wildcat community to rally around the family in prayer and support during this time of deep sorrow. Please know that grief counselors will be available on campus this week to meet with anyone needing assistance or support.”
JROTC is a federal high school program sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s described as a character development program that teaches youths “self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills.”
Knox was active in the Crossway Church in Cooper City and he was loved by many.
Speaking of the tragic loss, Pastor Jon Elswick said, “I think when you have a tragedy like this, and someone as loved as Knox, there’s ripple effects all the way through our church community, so we have students that were friends with him, family members that are friends with his family, so it’s been a really difficult time.”
He continued: “Knox’s dad said to me a couple of days ago, that Knox was the best of us, and I love that phrase because if you knew Knox, that’s who he was, right, this is a teenager who when you think about him, you think of a loving kid, a caring kid, a funny kid.”
