07/29/2025
100% preventable. Reach out if you would like to discuss evidence-based interventions for your particular school or sport.
🟥 Another young athlete lost. A 16-year-old football player collapsed and died after practice in Tennessee this July.
https://wreg.com/news/local/family-bolton-high-football-player-who-collapsed-during-practice-has-died/amp/
We at the Korey Stringer Institute are heartbroken—and frustrated.
Why? Because exertional heat stroke (EHS) deaths are 100% preventable.
🧊 Cold-water immersion saves lives.
Recently published data show a 100% survival rate in 454 EHS patients when treated promptly and properly.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37655801/
Yet, every summer, we see avoidable deaths—often football linemen in August. This is the 4th case of EHS in high school since July 1st.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39663688/
Linemen, due to their size and physical demands, require conditioning programs tailored to their unique needs and risks.
✅ Best practices are clear:
*Heat acclimatization
*Environmental monitoring
*Conditioning and training that matches physical abilities
*Cold-water immersion on-site
*“Cool first, transport second”
🎓 Athletic trainers and coaches must lead the way to make sure workouts match both fitness level and heat conditions.
📢 No AT on-site? Parents, guardians, coaches, school leaders—speak up!
Athletes deserve medical professionals at every practice and game.
Let’s stop the heartbreak.
Let’s protect our athletes.