Chickasha Football Player Dies After 2 Days in Hospital

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

CHICKASHA, Oklahoma -- Officials at Children's Hospital report that Kody Turner, the Chickasha football player, died Friday morning. Turner was 16.

The varsity player collapsed Tuesday afternoon following football practice which included sprints. The junior was rushed to a hospital in Chickasha and was later taken by a medical helicopter to OU's Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City.

It's a tragedy. It's hard to deal with. You just have to ask that question, why?" said Jim Glaze, School Superintendent

Children's Hospital officials said Turner died at about 4 a.m. The cause of death is not yet available.

Friday afternoon the coaches of the Chickasha High School football team gathered the players together inside the team locker. School officials didn't say what was said, but they did say players were emotional.

Chickasha coach Rick VanCleave told the Chickasha Express-Star how the team is dealing with the tragic news.

"Mostly, (the players) were kind of shocked. They were somewhat prepared. It's not something kids are accustomed to hearing. Some are taking it harder than others. They want his family to know they're praying for them," VanCleave said to the Chickasha Express-Star.

School officials said Kody collapsed Tuesday towards the end of practice and they believe the 315 pound junior, who referred to himself as the "big grease," was overcome by heat exhaustion.

"Kody has been in football six weeks now going through practices a lot hotter then on Tuesday. A lot of practices a lot more strenuous then they did on Tuesday," Glaze said.

Glaze said the school is investigating to see if Kody's death could have been prevented. In the meantime, Glaze said the school is focusing on trying to honor the young man's life.

"It's just one of those unfortunate situations in life. We just need to celebrate Kody's life even though it was cut short," Glaze said.

In light of the recent tragedy Chickasha's game against Noble tonight has been canceled.

A fund is being set up in Kody's name at Chickasha bank to help the family with funeral expenses.

Read more about Kody at OKBlitz.com

More:

• Chickasha High School Football Player Critical After Collapsing at Practice
• Thoughts, Prayers with Family of Chickasha Football Player