A St. Edmund Prep student collapsed and died Saturday during tryouts for the school’s junior varsity boys basketball team, The Post has learned.
Jose Rodriguez, 15, went to take a water break with fellow players when he fell down motionless, sources said. An ambulance was called and JV coach Mike O’Brien attempted CPR. Rodriguez was rushed to New York Community Hospital of Brooklyn, where he later died, according to sources. Cause of death is not yet known pending an autopsy, St. Edmund principal John Lorenzetti said.
Rodriguez, a sophomore, was trying out for the team after not competing last year, according to athletic director and varsity coach Dan Wiatre. O’Brien could not be reached for comment.
“He really wanted to be part of the program,” Wiatre said. “He went to all the games last year even though he wasn’t on the team. He definitely would have made the JV team. He was working hard.”
Rodriguez was ever-present at Eagles games, because his best friend Justin Manon was on the team. He wanted nothing more than to be his teammate this year.
“He had a smile that can light up any person’s day,” Manon said. “He was also the type of kid that always thought positive. Like if you were down he would try to help you. In my opinion he is the hardest working kid I’ve ever met in my life. … He was the definition of a best friend and I’d do anything to bring him back.”
St. Edmund canceled all extracurricular activities Monday and grief counselors were brought in yesterday for students in need. There was a vigil at a Marine Park playground Sunday night where more than 200 people came to grieve.
Lorenzetti said the basketball teams have decided to play their seasons in memory of Rodriguez. There is also talk of dedicating an area of the school’s building in his honor, the principal said.
“We’ve come together as a family and of course we’re hurting,” Lorenzetti said. “At the same time we’re supporting each other and we’re going to get through it. Our thoughts and prayers are of course with the family, which must be devastated.”
Rodriguez’s wake will be at Marine Park Funeral Home tomorrow and Friday and his funeral will be held at St. Edmund’s Roman Catholic Church at 9:45 a.m. Saturday. Lorenzetti said there will be a breakfast held at the school afterward for anyone wishing to attend.