ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. — Cummings High School is mourning the loss of a student-athlete.
Alamance-Burlington Schools officials confirmed 15-year-old varsity football player Malik Mebane died after he collapsed while walking out to the field for practice on Monday. He was in 10th grade.
The team's trainer began CPR on Malik while 911 was called.
EMS arrived and transported Malik to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
WFMY News 2 spoke to a parent of one of the players on the football team who was at the school at the time. Jessica Stephens said in the blink of an eye she saw EMS coming down the street.
"I was there, I was ushering the ambulance and the firetruck and letting them know to come in to practice because the practice field is not the same as the parking lot at Cummings," Stephens said.
She said this morning the district held a meeting with parents and athletes to talk about coping with the sudden loss.
The principal of the school shared a message with students and staff about the incident.
ABSS officials said a counseling team is at the school on Tuesday.
Local football teams are sharing their messages of love and support during this time of grief for the Cummings High School community.
Southern Alamance football posted to X, "We send out thoughts and prayers to the Cummings football team and community today as they cope with the loss of a teammate, student, and friend."
Eastern Alamance football posted to X, "Prayers for Cummings football and community," and included an image of the Cummings Cavaliers' logo.
Cummings released the following statement through the district's social media accounts:
"We are devastated by the loss of Malik, who was not only an incredible athlete byt an extraordinary young man. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. This is a heartbreaking time for our team and the entire Cummings High School community.
Malik embodied everything we strive for in our program — dedication, teamwork, and a love for the game. Right now, our focus is on supporting his family and teammates through this unimaginable loss. We are working closely with the school and souncelors to ensure everyone has the support they need during this difficult time.
Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel. We ask for your continued support of Malik's family and loved ones as we all navigate this loss."
ABSS shared the following message with WFMY News 2:
"Yesterday, before Varsity football practice began at Hugh M. Cummings High School, a 15-year-old student athlete collapsed as he was coming out to the field. Our athletic trainer was nearby and provided CPR until EMS arrived and transported the student to a local hospital. The 10th-grade student was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Our District and the school community are heartbroken by this tragic loss. Malik Mebane was a student, an athlete, and a part of our community. As a district, we are committed to supporting our students as they begin to process and cope with their grief. We have a team of counselors and support staff at the school to help our students during this difficult time. We'd like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support for the school and our students as we continue to keep the family and friends of Malik in our thoughts."
The community is also mourning the loss of 7-year-old Mason Jenkins who died after a shooting in Burlington.
ABSS Superintendent, Dr. Aaron Fleming, released this statement in response to the two incidents:
We are heartbroken alongside our community at the recent tragic loss of two young lives. We have a team of counselors and support staff available to help our students during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our community. Please continue to keep family, friends, staff, and students in your thoughts and prayers.
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