14-year-old Knox MacEwen, a Junior Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadet, collapsed and died during a JROTC event at Everglades High School on Saturday morning.
MacEwen passed away due to natural causes, Miramar Police said Monday, according to the Miami Herald. The incident occurred during the BCPS JROTC Raider Meet, an event that brought together approximately 700 JROTC cadets from high schools across Broward for athletic challenges. The cadet suddenly lost consciousness and stopped breathing, prompting paramedics and Miramar Fire Rescue officers to attempt resuscitation. Despite their efforts, MacEwen was later transported to Memorial Hospital Miramar, where he passed away.
‘Kind-hearted soul’: 14-year-old student dies during JROTC fitness competition in Broward https://t.co/Ks4obfPGCm
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) November 6, 2023
Although the Broward school district did not officially confirm the school MacEwen attended, Western High School Principal Jimmy Arrojo shared the news with parents and guardians. Arrojo expressed his condolences, urging the Wildcat community to come together in support of MacEwen’s family during this difficult time. Grief counselors have been made available on campus to assist anyone in need of support, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Teen Dies While Rock Climbing, Comes Back To Life Two Hours Later)
A GoFundMe was launched titled “Supporting the MacEwen Family” to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial relief to Knox’s parents.
“This family has been through the unimaginable, as this has happened as Knox’s mom, Julie, is still physically and financially recovering from a hard fought battle with cancer this last year,” the page said.