Plainfield Student Dies After Collapsing During Basketball Practice

District 202 was in mourning Thursday after a John F. Kennedy Middle School student died after collapsing while playing basketball.

Dramon Ratcliff, 13, collapsed while practicing basketball with a private league at Plainfield Central High School on Wednesday night, District 202 Community Relations Director Tom Hernandez said. According to Hernandez, the league is not affiliated with District 202 but uses the Plainfield Central gym for practice.

Dramon, a Bolingbrook resident, was taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where he was pronounced dead at 8:24 p.m., according to Will County Coroner Pat O’Neil.

O’Neil said preliminary autopsy results show that Dramon had a previously undiagnosed heart condition. The final cause of death will be determined after further testing, including a toxicological report, O’Neil said.

“Anytime a young person passes away, it’s a very traumatic event for all of us,” Hernandez said. Dramon has an older sibling who attends Plainfield East High School, according to the district.

“Of course we extend our most sincere condolences to the student’s family and friends during this time of grief and loss,” Hernandez said.

A Connect-ED message was sent out to parents all the elementary, middle school and high school level on Thursday, Hernandez said.

The district’s crisis team was made available to students Thursday, Hernandez said. School staff were also keeping an eye out for students who may need additional assistance throughout the week.

Check back with Patch for updates.

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