High school football player dies after suffering cardiac arrest during game

People in Byhalia, Mississippi are mourning the death of Dennis Mitchell, a high school football player, after he suffered cardiac arrest during a game and later died at the hospital.

Byhalia High varsity football competed against Coahoma County Friday night.

Mitchell got hurt, then began throwing up on the field, WHBQ reported.

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Mitchell was taken out of the game and was cheering the team from the sidelines during the second quarter when he collapsed, school officials said.

Mitchell was then rushed to the hospital, but never regained consciousness, according to school officials. Mitchell was later pronounced dead.

Byhalia High School released the following statement regarding the player's death:

“Our BHS family mourns the loss of Dennis Mitchell, a beloved student-athlete who collapsed on the field during Friday night’s game at Coahoma. Please keep his family, our coaches, the team, students, administrators, faculty, and staff in your thoughts and prayers.”

The Marshall County Schools Superintendent also released a statement of the passing of Dennis Mitchell:

"The Superintendent of the Marshall County School District, Lela Hale, expressed they are saddened by the death of 16-year-old, Dennis Mitchell, a Byhalia football player. The Byhalia Indians played Coahoma County in Clarksdale Friday night. According to his coaches, after playing a quarter and a half, the defensive lineman came off the field during the second quarter, and was cheering the offensive on on the sidelines. He then collapsed. A parent with a medical background and paramedics rushed to him. He was taken to the hospital; however, he never regained consciousness. From what the coroner said last night, we do not know the cause of death. What we do know is that is is a tragedy and a tremendous loss for his family, our student body, and faculty and staff. It is heartbreaking! Please keep his family, our student body, and school personnel in your thoughts and prayers."