High School Homecoming Queen Candidate Dies on Football Field After Medical Emergency
Breanne "Bre" McKean, a 17-year-old from Maple Heights, Ohio, collapsed and died on Mapleton High School's football field moments after being announced as a nominee for homecoming queen.
In a Facebook post from her school's official account, it was confirmed that McKean passed away on Friday, Sept. 29 "due to a medical emergency during homecoming festivities" prior to the South Central vs. Mapleton game held that night. The statement also notes that the game was suspended at halftime and grief counselors were "available immediately after this announcement."
The school's homecoming dance, which was initially scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30 was canceled. Athletic events were also suspended until Wednesday, Oct. 4.
In a statement shared with USA Today, Mapleton coach Matt Stafford said that when he received the news at halftime while walking to the locker room, he and the referee made the decision to suspend the game because "there is no way [the football players] can play. We figured we better tell them right away because with phones and everything, someone is going to find out."
The South Central principal Thomas Hellickson also voiced his support to Mapleton, telling the publication, "Our hearts and prayers and thoughts go out to the Mapleton Community. I live in this community and I love these kids here just as dearly as I love my own at South Central. We cannot imagine what they are going through. Recently we have experienced our own tragedies and we know the road they are on."
He added, "South Central will be here for them today, tomorrow, the day after that, next week, next month, next year. It is a great community just like our own and our hearts and prayers go out to them. We are just praying for them."
USA Today additionally noted that a coroner will determine McKean's cause of death.
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