Rogers School Community Mourns Death of Will Foreman, 15

Friends, family and teammates of Will Foreman will always remember his big smile, big heart and great sense of humor.

Foreman, a leader on court and well-liked member of the Rogers High School community, collapsed during a morning basketball practice on Tuesday and was rushed to Newport Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Foreman, 15, was a sophomore at the school and classmates are now in shock as they come to terms with the fact that Foreman, who wore No. 7 on his Vikings uniform, is no longer with us.

Those who knew Foreman expressed their dismay and offered condolences and remembrances and to family members all night on Facebook and Twitter.

“[Our] angel is now watching over [our] school,” said Kyraa Nichelle. “We love you #7 forever & always.”

Friends remember Foreman as always smiling cracking jokes. And in the wake of his unexpected death, many vowed to use the moment to reassess their own lives and reconsider conflicts and differences.

“Y’all stay strong,” said one. “I know Will would want us all to do that.”

Newport Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain said in an interview that grief counselors were at the school today from 9 a.m. until noon.

Jermain said the Foreman collapsed shortly after the practice started at around 11:15 a.m. and the coach and assistant coach immediately began to apply CPR and called 911.

“It’s a terrible tragedy,” Jermain said. “We extend our condolences and prayers to the the family at this time.”

Funeral services have not yet been announced, nor has the cause of death been determined.