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Copyright 2005 Associated Press
All Rights Reserved
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
These materials may not be republished without the express
written consent of The Associated Press
February 3, 2005, Thursday, BC cycle
10:49 AM Eastern Time
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 339 words
HEADLINE: Student death linked to enlarged heart
DATELINE: EAGLETOWN, Okla.
BODY:
A 15-year-old Oklahoma high school student who collapsed and died during a
basketball game had an enlarged heart, medical officials said.
R.J. Pennon died Tuesday night of a condition called hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy, said Kevin Rowland, chief investigator for the state medical
examiner.
Pennon collapsed while resting on the bench during a game against Fort Towson
High School.
An enlarged heart is a condition that probably would not be detected during
regular medical checkups or a sports physical, Rowland said. Physical exertion,
he said, can cause the heart to go into an "irregular rhythm, and sometimes it
doesn't recover. And that's what appears happened here."
The class bells were shut off Wednesday at Eagletown High School in far
southeast Oklahoma. Students talked with counselors, clergy and one another most
of the day.
As in most small towns, the 70 students at Eagletown High are close, said
Jammie Bean, one of Pennon's teachers. Classes resumed Thursday, but school
officials said absences would be excused.
"We do have to move on with our education," she said. "We know that. But we
have to know whether they're ready to move on."
Family and friends met Wednesday night at the Eagletown Assembly of God
church for a memorial service, said Mike Hopper, superintendent and high school
principal. Funeral services will be at the school, Hopper said, but a date has
not been set.
Pennon was described as an outgoing student who was known for teasing his
classmates. He was a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
and was a good student. However, his passion was basketball.
Pennon played center and stood out on the court. The sophomore scored 32
points during a game last week.
Coach Justin Pierce said he's thankful Pennon's teammates have pulled
together to help each other through the crisis, and the coach said he knows the
teens will carry on with their season in honor of their friend.
"I feel like we kind of have to get back together and finish the race."
LOAD-DATE: February 3, 2005
All Rights Reserved
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
These materials may not be republished without the express
written consent of The Associated Press
February 3, 2005, Thursday, BC cycle
10:49 AM Eastern Time
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 339 words
HEADLINE: Student death linked to enlarged heart
DATELINE: EAGLETOWN, Okla.
BODY:
A 15-year-old Oklahoma high school student who collapsed and died during a
basketball game had an enlarged heart, medical officials said.
R.J. Pennon died Tuesday night of a condition called hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy, said Kevin Rowland, chief investigator for the state medical
examiner.
Pennon collapsed while resting on the bench during a game against Fort Towson
High School.
An enlarged heart is a condition that probably would not be detected during
regular medical checkups or a sports physical, Rowland said. Physical exertion,
he said, can cause the heart to go into an "irregular rhythm, and sometimes it
doesn't recover. And that's what appears happened here."
The class bells were shut off Wednesday at Eagletown High School in far
southeast Oklahoma. Students talked with counselors, clergy and one another most
of the day.
As in most small towns, the 70 students at Eagletown High are close, said
Jammie Bean, one of Pennon's teachers. Classes resumed Thursday, but school
officials said absences would be excused.
"We do have to move on with our education," she said. "We know that. But we
have to know whether they're ready to move on."
Family and friends met Wednesday night at the Eagletown Assembly of God
church for a memorial service, said Mike Hopper, superintendent and high school
principal. Funeral services will be at the school, Hopper said, but a date has
not been set.
Pennon was described as an outgoing student who was known for teasing his
classmates. He was a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
and was a good student. However, his passion was basketball.
Pennon played center and stood out on the court. The sophomore scored 32
points during a game last week.
Coach Justin Pierce said he's thankful Pennon's teammates have pulled
together to help each other through the crisis, and the coach said he knows the
teens will carry on with their season in honor of their friend.
"I feel like we kind of have to get back together and finish the race."
LOAD-DATE: February 3, 2005