Lancaster ISD is mourning the loss of 15-year-old Preston Malone, a sophomore at Lancaster Early College High School, who died Wednesday after a medical emergency during football practice earlier in the week.
Malone collapsed after conditioning drills, telling his coaches he did not feel well. Trainers quickly noticed he was not sweating, a warning sign of severe overheating. He was immediately placed into a cold tub, where his temperature was recorded at more than 104 degrees. Paramedics arrived soon after and transported him to a local hospital. Though Malone initially appeared to improve, his condition declined overnight, and he passed away on Wednesday morning.
District leaders emphasized that practice was held indoors due to high heat, with multiple hydration breaks scheduled. However, the indoor facility did not have air conditioning, raising concerns about whether even adjusted practice environments are safe during Texas summers. The state’s relentless heat has long been a topic of concern for coaches, trainers, and parents, as student-athletes push through intense workouts in conditions that can quickly turn dangerous.
School officials praised the athletic staff for following UIL heat safety protocols, including rapid response and proper cooling procedures. Still, the tragedy underscores the risks young athletes face when training in extreme conditions. Football practices for the remainder of the week were canceled, and grief counselors are available for students and staff.
Superintendent A. Katrise Perera described Malone as an exceptional student and asked the community to keep his family, teammates, and friends in their prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.
