A talented Kentucky athlete has tragically died after collapsing during track practice.
James 'Wes' Phillipe, 15, hit the ground while at track practice at Meece Middle School in Somerset on Monday, sending his coaches and teammates into panic.
The high school freshman was immediately rushed to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital - 2.5 miles from the middle school - after his unexpected collapse.
He was later transferred to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, where he died around 1:15 am on Tuesday, according to the Fayette County Coroner's Office.
The gifted teen's cause of death is pending autopsy results, however, his family claimed the teen suffered a cardiac event, WYMT reported.
His mother, Marissa Handley, has since posted an emotional tribute to her son on social media.
'This is not a post I would ever think I'd have to make,' Handley wrote.
'I know so many people loved Wes as he was such a special child. He was a wonderful son and I have loved every second of God allowing me to be his momma.'
Friends and family of the teen have also spoken out in memory of their loved one.
'He wrestled all day. Run the 5K at night... like he wasn’t even tired,' Jim Phillippe, Wes’ grandfather, told WYMT adding that his grandson 'often competed in 5K events in the area.'
In addition to track and field, the Somerset High School student was also a high school wrestler, according to his obituary.
The multi-sport athlete was also tirelessly committed to his education, according to his obituary. He will be remembered by his 'youthful spirit' and 'love for adventure.'
'His youthful spirit was characterized by a love for adventure and a passion for sports. He thrived in wrestling and running track, often participating in local 5k events, embracing challenges both on and off the field,' his obituary reads.
Following Phillippe's unforeseen passing, Somerset Independent Schools Superintendent Kyle Lively issued a statement on behalf of the entire district.
'It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends during this difficult time,' Lively wrote.
'As a school community, we stand together to support each other and honor the memory of a student who will always be a part of the Somerset family.'
The teen was also tirelessly committed to his education, according to his obituary. He will be remembered by his 'youthful spirit' and 'love for adventure.'
Phillipe's funeral will be held on Saturday.
The high school tragedy happened just days after another high school track athlete, Espoir Missite, 16, passed away after a medical emergency near his school.
Missite was found on a trail near Maple Grove Senior High School in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, Minnesota on back on February 25.
He was later transported to the hospital, where he passed away - according to a press release from the Maple Grove Police Department.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Missite's family to cover funeral expenses - where they have raised over $21,000 so far.
Missite's funeral took place this past Tuesday, according to the page.
'His lively spirit and passion for science, sport and life impacted everyone he encountered, and his absence is profoundly felt by all,' the page read.
The page says that he passed away after suffering cardiac arrest following track practice.
