Riverside school mourns loss of student, football player

A crisis response team was sent today to ArlingtonHigh School, where faculty, staff and students were coping with the loss of a16-year-old athlete who died five days after he collapsed while playing avarsity football game.

Tyler Lewellen died Tuesday night at Riverside Community Hospital, wherehe had been in the intensive care unit since last Thursday.

“Tyler was a wonderful young man with a bright future ahead of him andeverything to look forward to,” said Arlington High Principal Antonio Garcia.“We are so saddened that he was suddenly taken from us. Arlington appreciatesour community’s support as we grieve the loss of one of our own.”

The teen, who played on defense for the Arlington Lions, collapsedfollowing a scrimmage against the Rubidoux Falcons at Rubidoux High School,according to the Riverside Unified School District.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

RUSD officials dispatched a team composed of psychologists and othergrief counselors to meet with the boy’s friends, teammates and teachers atArlington, a school district official said. His death was announced to the the2,200-student campus prior to the start of classes this morning.

RUSD Superintendent Rick Miller posted a brief statement on thedistrict’s Facebook page, saying it was a “hard day” for everyone.

According to Garcia, Tyler was taking advanced courses in preparationfor college entrance exams. He was slated to graduate in 2015.