VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A Bayside High School student-athlete died Wednesday after collapsing during after-school conditioning, Bayside High School Principal Troy Walton said.
It was somber start to the school day Thursday as the news spread. Many students were trying to make sense of their emotions.
“It was like, 'Dang, someone in the school really died,'” said Bayside High School senior Joshua Unobagha. “A lot of people die left and right, but in this school, I didn’t really expect no one to die.”
Senior Joseph Wallis was stunned.
“It was shocking, to say the least,” said the 17-year-old.
The following notice went out to Bayside High School families Thursday morning:
Bayside families, this is Mr. Troy Walton, Principal of Bayside High School, calling to share with you some very sad news. Yesterday afternoon a Bayside High School athlete collapsed during conditioning and later passed away. The Bayside High School staff is deeply affected by this tragic loss and we know that our students and community will be equally affected. BHS administration, counselors, and VBCPS support staff are prepared to address our staff and student needs. We know too that family is often the best source of comfort to our students during such tragic events. I know you will keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. We are Bayside strong.
“Shocked,” said 2021 graduate Aiden Pick. “I mean you never expect it, especially children this young.”
According to VBCPS officials, the student who died is male.
The school district is not releasing the teen’s name or details on what caused his death.
Classmates, however, said he was playing basketball when he suddenly fell to the floor.
Pick, 19, said they were both on the school’s football team.
“He was a really good guy,” he said. “A lot of people really like him. That’s kind of all I really heard about him - no bad things at all.”
Unobagha told News 3 he believes the student who died was 16. He said during morning announcements Thursday, students paused for a moment of silence.
“I didn’t know him, but I was still sad,” he said.
Some students told News 3 they weren't aware that their classmate had died.
School administration, counselors and Virginia Beach City Public Schools support staff will be on hand to address staff and student needs following the student's death.
