New Kent County teen collapses, dies while playing basketball

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WRIC – NEW KENT COUNTY (WRIC) — "Trying to get over the fact that he's gone," said friend Sierra Elswick.

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"It's really sad because he was one of my friends," said friend Troy Eberhard.

The 15-year-old was playing basketball with his friends Wednesday at Quinton Park when officials say the teen collapsed.

"He really loved the sport, always would go to Quinton Park and play basketball with his friends," said Elswick.

Elswick says she's known the 15-year-old since she was four and called him her best friend.

"He was the kind of guy that would just walk into a room and make everyone laugh," said Elswick.

The teen was taken to the hospital. CPR was performed on the way but after he arrived he was pronounced dead.

"I saw the ambulance take him away and I was like scared to see what was going to happen," said Eberhard.

Eberhard lives up the street from the basketball court. He says he played with him all the time.

"He's a really nice person and everybody wants to be friends with him and nobody could beat him in basketball," said Eberhard.

"He looked great last time I seen him, he looked wonderful," said Stephen Felts.

Felts says he plays there a few times a week.

"It's sad, I'm really shocked to hear it because you know we come out here all the time and play with the guys," said Felts.

Meanwhile those that knew him are praying for his family, and remembering what they'll miss the most.

"His goofy laugh. That was basically the best part of him," said Elswick.

"Just hope his family is alright. It just doesn't make sense," said Felts.