John Carroll Sophomore Dies After Medical Emergency

BEL AIR, MD —Bailey Bullock, a sophomore at The John Carroll School and resident of Bel Air, passed away Wednesday after an unexpected medical emergency, the school said. Bullock was 16 years old.

According to a release from the Town of Bel Air, the Bel Air Police and the Bel Air Fire Department responded to a report that a student was in cardiac distress and having trouble breathing. Medical personnel found Bullock unresponsive. He was being treated by bystanders and school staff. Medical personnel continued life-saving measures. Bullock was transported to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

"The Bel Air Police Department and the entire Town of Bel Air extend their deepest condolences to the family," the town wrote in a statement.

John Carroll Principal Tom Durkin offered condolences to Bullock's family in a statement sent to the school community.

"Our hearts are with the Bullock family, including Bailey's mother, Patrice, and his siblings," Durkin said. "Following this devastating loss to our Patriot family, we have gathered a crisis team to assist any students or employees who may need support during this time, including classmates, teachers, and teammates and coaches on the football and track teams."

As Durkin noted, Bullock was a member of the track and football teams. In fact, according to the Baltimore Sun, Bullock had just completed track practice and was waiting for a ride home when he collapsed outside the school.

Varsity football coach Ken Brinkman tweeted a tribute to Bullock on Wednesday.

"I'm still in disbelief," he wrote. "Today we lost a fine young man way too soon. My heart breaks for his family. He touched so many in his time with us. Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot."

Bullock's family confirmed to the Baltimore Sun that Bailey had a heart condition known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, described as a rapid heartbeat that can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, which had been diagnosed in fifth grade.

But Bullock's sister Breanna told the newspaper that the condition appeared to be minor and that Bailey had been cleared to play sports by a cardiologist and passed physicals to participate in sports. Bailey Bullock was in his first season in the John Carroll track program, but also had played basketball and football for years, and his sister said issues related to the heart condition had not resurfaced since it was originally detected.

According to the Baltimore Sun, representatives from John Carroll visited the Bullock family on Thursday afternoon, delivering Bailey's football jersey and cards of support from members of the school community.

John Carroll Athletic Director Seth Goldberg offered his thoughts to Patch about Bullock.

"We are all devastated by the sudden and unexpected loss of one our student athletes," Goldberg said. "Bailey was kind, hardworking and universally liked by teachers, coaches and teammates."

Goldberg said the athletic department was honoring Bullock in several ways. On Thursday, the John Carroll boys lacrosse team held a moment of silence for Bullock before their game against Calvert Hall. The lacrosse team also wore #6 stickers on their helmets. That was Bullock's football number.

On Friday, John Carroll is scheduled to host a track meet, and the team created a "We Run for Bailey" banner that it will display at the event. The meet will begin with the 200 meters, which was Bailey's event. The varsity baseball team also was planning a moment of silence before its game with Calvert Hall on Friday.

The Bullock family has not announced any public services at this time, but a tribute page has been created online for people to share memories about Bailey Bullock.