Teen who collapsed at weekend basketball game dies
A Chicago teen who collapsed during a high school basketball game last weekend has died.
Jermaine Cullum, 16, was a sophomore at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep High School. He was playing in a tournament at Riverside Brookfield High School when he collapsed on the court after a layup.
The 16-year-old was playing in a basketball tournament at Riverside Brookfield High School when he collapsed on the court after a layup.
Cullum was assisted by a doctor and nurse who were in the stands at the time. They performed CPR until paramedics arrived. The teen was then taken to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood. He was pronounced dead Tuesday. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday to determine the cause of death.
Jermaine collapsed after going into cardiac arrest. His mother says he had a rare unexplained heart condition that no one knew about until it was too late. CPR conducted by a doctor and nurse attending the game helped Cullum regain a pulse. But doctors say the teen lost all brain activity and could not breathe on his own.
Patton plans to donate Jermaine’s heart to Loyola for research in hopes of scientists discovering a way to prevent this from happening to another family. I made the decision because I know his condition is rare,” she told WLS. “I want to help other kids out there that might have the same rare disease he might have with his heart.”
A Gofundme account has been set up by Jermaine’s family to help pay for the teen’s funeral. Click here to donate.
Our condolences go out the Jermaine’s family and friends during this difficult time.
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