A high school student from Shepherd ISD suffered a cardiac episode during gym class and later passed away. Shepherd ISD sent a notice out to parents this week. You may know KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer is passionate about heart screening for teens. First, here’s more on what the district says happened to the teen student this week.
Here is the full statement posted on Shepherd ISD’s Facebook page:
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Dear Shepherd ISD Community,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of a tragic incident that occurred this evening during open gym practice at the high school. One of our students experienced a cardiac episode while practicing, and despite immediate efforts from first responders we received devastating news that the student passed away.
Our entire school community is deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest sympathy and offer our support in any way we can.
To provide support for our students and staff, we will have extra counselors and support staff available on the high school campus for the remainder of the week. Please do not hesitate to reach out to one of these professionals if you or your child are in need of support or someone to talk to.
We know that this news may be difficult to process, and we are here to support each other as we navigate through this tragedy. Let us come together as a community to lean on one another, offer comfort, and honor the memory of our beloved student.
Sincerely,
Shepherd ISD and High School Administration Team
Lifesaving heart screenings uncover hidden dangers for teen athletes
In a mission now spanning over a decade, KPRC 2 and Investigative Reporter Bill Spencer have partnered with the Cody Stephens Foundation to bring about a positive change in the lives of teen athletes. Their joint efforts, dedicated to preventing tragic incidents related to undetected heart defects, recently culminated in a heart screening event that delivered results beyond expectations.
Earlier this year Bill showed us when 313 teen athletes participated in a specialized ECG test, surpassing the standard sports exams mandated by schools. Unlike routine physicals, an ECG (Electrocardiogram), also known as an EKG, delves into the intricate details of the heart’s electrical signals, potentially uncovering problems that might go unnoticed.
The impact of the heart screening event was profound, with three teens having serious hidden heart abnormalities identified. Shockingly, two of them were diagnosed with the deadliest form of hidden heart ailment – Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. These screenings proved instrumental in detecting life-threatening issues, serving as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proactive heart health measures for young athletes.
Dr. Thomas Debauche, the cardiologist working with the team, explained the dangers of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, stating, “The problem is the heart muscle is too thick and it will contract with more work than benefit to the body and that gets worse and worse and worse until there’s one final contraction in which the heart cramps up and will not beat any further and that’s sudden death. That is it.”
As the mission continues, additional heart-screening events for teen athletes will be held throughout the year. Keep an eye on KPRC 2 and click2houston.com for announcements, and take the proactive step towards ensuring the heart health of the young athletes in your life.
The collaborative efforts of KPRC 2, Bill Spencer, and the Cody Stephens Foundation are undeniably making a difference, one heart screening at a time.
Check here for the latest screenings and to learn more about Cody Stephens and his family.
Championship Hearts Foundation