By: Richard L. Smith
The Newark community are mourning the sudden loss of a teenage boy who collapsed while playing basketball at a local YMCA and later died at the hospital. 
According to a statement released by Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, the incident occurred on Saturday, March 8th at approximately 2:48 p.m. when firefighters were dispatched to the YMCA on Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard (Broad Street) in response to a report of a sick or injured individual.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an unresponsive 17-year-old male inside the facility’s second-floor gymnasium.
Witnesses reported that the teenager had been actively playing basketball moments before suddenly collapsing.
Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived on the scene and transported the young man to University Hospital in hopes of saving his life.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, the teen was pronounced dead at 4:13 p.m. due to a cardiac event, leaving family, friends, and community members devastated by the unexpected loss.
The heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many questioning how such a young and seemingly healthy individual could suffer such a fate.
Authorities have not yet released the victim's name, and no further details have been provided regarding any preexisting medical conditions.
