Ovet Gomez-Regalado death: What happened to the high school football player?

Ovet Gomez-Regalado, a 15-year-old sophomore football player from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas, died on Friday after experiencing a medical emergency during an offseason conditioning practice last Wednesday, KSHB reports.

Johnson County Med-Act's crews responded quickly and the high-school student was transported to the hospital, where he arrived in critical condition. He passed away two days later; the exact cause of Ovet's death remains unknown.

Gomez-Regalado is the fourth student to pass away at Shawnee Mission Northwest in the past 14 months, per SMNW. The school's principal, Dr. Lisa Gruman, addressed the students and families in a letter.

"Death is always difficult to handle, but particularly so when someone so young dies," Gruman wrote in the statement ( via Kake). "It will be important to recognize that all of us will need time to process what has happened and to express our feelings."

In response to the tragedy, the school district has provided emotional support resources by converting the school library into a space for counseling. District officials and counselors are offering their assistance and students are encouraged to seek help as they cope with the loss. They can visit the main office from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for counseling without an appointment.

The district has also announced an investigation into the incident to prevent future tragedies.

According to USA Today, Gomez-Regalado is the third reported death of a high school football player in 12 days. On Aug. 5, Hopewell High School in Virginia mourned the loss of sophomore Jayvion Taylor, who died after football practice. And in Alabama, New Brockton High School ninth-grader Semaj Wilkins similarly suffered a medical emergency during practice on Aug. 13 and passed away.

Teammates and community honor Ovet Gomez-Regalado following his tragic death

On Saturday afternoon, the Shawnee Mission Northwest community gathered to honor the life of Ovet Gomez-Regalado. The vigil, organized by students, saw many community members come together to pay tribute to a young man who touched many lives.

The vigil featured a balloon release and although Shawnee Mission Northwest’s school colors are orange and black, many of the balloons released were green, which was Gomez-Regalado's favorite color. These balloons were tied to the fence by the football field.

Ovet Gomez-Regalado played both offensive and defensive roles, positioning as a nose guard, defensive tackle, center or guard.

Logan Morley, a senior quarterback and friend, described Gomez-Regalado as someone who could brighten any room with his presence.

“In the hallways, you would always see a smile on his face,” recalled Zion Scott, another close friend, per KCTV.

Carissa Hunt, a teacher at Shawnee Mission, noted him as “one of the kindest students” she had ever worked with.

An online fundraiser was established on GoFundMe by a family friend to support Ovet Gomez-Regalado's family during this difficult time. He will be remembered as a devoted brother, friend and a cherished member of the Shawnee Mission Northwest community.