Marist Student Dies After Collapsing at School Event

Paul Simmons, 17, died yesterday after collapsing during an overnight event at Marist High School. Here is the school's statement:

Late last evening, during the Marist High School Senior Lock-in, Paul Simmons, a 17-year old senior collapsed while playing basketball with his teammates and teachers.  Paul was taken by ambulance to Christ Hospital where he passed away.  Paul was spending the evening with his friends playing the game he loved to play when he collapsed.

The hearts of our seniors, our faculty and the entire Marist community are heavy as we come to terms with the painful sadness of Paul’s death.  Paul was a dynamic, outgoing individual who beat tough odds to become a successful student athlete at Marist High School.  Paul had a winning smile, a vibrant personality and a tremendous work ethic.  The loss of Paul Simmons is an enormous loss for the Marist family and for Spring Hill College where Paul was to attend as a student athlete in the fall.

The Marist community prays for Paul, his parents, Paul and Vera, his siblings and his extended family – including the Marist family – that God provides us with the strength to understand this heartbreaking loss.