WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT: Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, a 15-year-old student at Windsor High School, tragically died after losing consciousness at football practice on October 10.
He was given CPR by police and emergency medical technicians, wrote district superintendent Terrence Hill in a letter to families. The teenager was not engaged in any football drills or tackling at the time, he added.
Donald Trinks, mayor of Windsor, stated that Rivera was given CPR at once by his coaches before police arrived.
Details awaited in Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera's death
Hill said, "Sadly, the medical professionals were unable to revive him. As a community we want to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers and support them moving forward however we can."
He added that crisis counselors would be available for students and staff on October 11, to help them process the unforeseen tragedy.
Additional information on the death of Rivera has not been released, reports the Daily Mail. No comment has been received from the district officials regarding this incident.
Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera dreamt of playing NFL
Rivera was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 2007. He moved to Connecticut in 2010, returned to Texas in 2019, and then moved back to Connecticut to "better focus on school and football," according to the Daily Mail.
Chastity Hernandez, Rivera's mother, said that Riveera was passionate about football and cars, and had a lifelong dream of playing for Atlanta Falcons, his favorite NFL team.
Speaking with CT Insider, Hernandez said, "He was the most kind-hearted boy. He was a gentle giant."
The Windsor Football Team dedicated their upcoming season to their deceased teammate in a post on X.
"Gone from our sight but never from our hearts we mourn the passing of Elijah-Jay Mariano Rivera, an amazing son, brother, athlete, student and friend. #65 Forever in our hearts. We will miss you Big Texas, Love you. This season is dedicated to you and Coach Knight," reads the post.
"He will be greatly missed, but will always be remembered with that big smile on his face," said Hernandez.
