STERLING – The 16-year-old Sterling High School athlete who collapsed Sunday and died after playing basketball during an open gym session at the school was Dominic Franklin, Whiteside County Coroner Joe McDonald said.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate he died of heart failure, McDonald said in an email, adding that “there was no indication of prior medical illness or other outside elements which caused his death.”
Coaches and staff immediately rendered aid, and EMTs called to the school tried to resuscitate the teen, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at CGH Medical Center, a block away from the school.
Franklin transferred to SHS this year from William J. Bogan Computer Technical High School in Chicago.
“Though we did not know him long, he was an outstanding young man,” Superintendent Tad Everett said Monday. “Our thoughts and prayers and strong condolences are with his family.”
Counselors have been on hand at the school for students and staff.
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BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5535 @KathleenSchul10