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Promising Athlete's Life Cut Short by Severe Heat Stroke
28 Jul
Summary
- 16-year-old Joshua Henderson died from organ failure caused by heat stroke
- Henderson was an exceptional athlete and dedicated scholar
- His family described him as a "gentle giant" who was being scouted by universities
On Saturday, July 16, 2023, a 16-year-old high school football player in Tennessee, Joshua Henderson, died due to complications from a severe heat stroke. Henderson, a student and player for Bolton High School in Arlington, Tennessee, was hospitalized on July 6th after passing out at football practice.
Henderson's family said he was "bravely fighting for his life in the hospital" but ultimately succumbed to "organ failure caused by a severe heat stroke." His aunt, Kristen Henderson, described him as a "gentle giant" who was being scouted by different universities "because he was so good."
School officials mourned the loss, stating that Henderson was an "exceptional athlete and dedicated scholar" whose "kindness, determination and positive spirit left a lasting impression on classmates, teachers and our entire BHS community." The family said his "sudden loss has left our hearts shattered and our world forever changed," adding that "Joshua's life, though short, was meaningful and full of light."
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of extreme heat, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified as the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, claiming roughly 2,000 lives annually. The CDC reports that 150 heat-related deaths have already occurred in the U.S. so far in 2023.
