12-year-old New Jersey boy dies suddenly during football practice

A family in Newark, New Jersey is left with questions after their 12-year-old son collapsed and died suddenly during soccer practice at a local field.

The boy, Elijah Jordan Brown-Garcia, was reportedly performing drills with his team, the Essex County Predators, on the West Side Park football pitch when he collapsed.

Team officials say Brown-Garcia was not engaged in strenuous activity at the time, according to News 12.

“No contact. It was just drills going back and forth. He wasn’t touched,” his mother, Raven Brown, said. “He was a healthy kid…I don’t know why. Friday night was his day.”

“He was so happy to be there. He didn’t know it was going to be his last day,” Brown added.

Brown said her ten-year-old son, who was also at the practice, called her and told her Elijah had collapsed and they were fanning him and pouring water on him.

The bereaved mother also says that although there were at least three calls for an ambulance, it took. over 40 minutes for one to arrive. In fact, she told the media that she beat the ambulance into the field when she rushed into it herself.

“I beat the ambulance there,” Brown insisted. “Like 30-40 minutes. It took them a long time. »

Brown also questions why no one involved with the team or league is certified in CPR. She added that the coach admitted no one there was able to help.

“They’re negligent. You can’t run a team like that,” Brown insisted.

“I miss his face. I miss dancing… I just miss him. I miss everything about him,” the boy’s mother said.

John Glustina/Getty Images

A Big 21 league spokesperson said they did not have enough information about the incident to make any statements.

The teenager’s school, KIPP Rise Academy, released a statement saying how much they will miss the boy.

“Elijah will be deeply missed by our students, families and educators at KIPP, and we will remember him as a kind, outgoing student who was everyone’s friend,” said school spokeswoman Jessica Shearer. “Elijah has a brother and an aunt who learn and teach at our school. To support the Brown-Garcia family as they go through this tragedy, please donate to their GoFundMe.

“Elijah was an outgoing and loving young boy. He loved dancing and football and loved his family. He made sure everyone was comfortable with his infectious smile. He loved going to school, and he loved his friends,” the post on the GoFundMe page read.

“At the tender age of 12, Elijah passed away playing football, doing what he loved,” the page adds.

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