Boy, 15, collapses and dies while on run as temperatures hit 100 degrees
A 15-year-old boy has died while going out for a run as temperatures soared to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tristen Franklin had been out on a run in Pleasant View, Tennessee, on Tuesday August 27 when he collapsed.
Neighbours in the town around 30 miles northwest of Nashville witnessed the teen fall and quickly called 911 to the scene.
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Tragically, despite the efforts of paramedics to provide emergency medical care, Tristen died.
The 15-year-old, who was identified by Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, was a talented cross country runner and had been out on a routine jog prior to his collapse.
He had been a sophomore student at Sycamore High School, and had been on the cross country team at the school.
This had been a normal route for Tristen to take as part of his usual exercise.
Neighbour, Troy Simpkins, told how he would often see Tristen out and about when he was on his own runs.
Simpkins spoke to NBC affiliate WSMV about witnessing the tragedy, and how he would often see the teen on his runs.
He said: “He would run in the afternoon when Tom [his husband] would be outside with the dog and quite a few times he would run over and just quickly pet the dog and say hi and he would just keep on running."
Simpkins recalled Tristen's collapse: “I saw him run past like I have many, many times and I didn’t really think anything of it.
“My husband brought our dog out which he does every day when his work day is done and there was a gentleman two doors down that was waving at him frantically like trying to get his attention."
The group of neighbours had then called 911 in an effort to help Tristen.
“My heart just goes out to them. I mean, it is so sad," said Simpkins. "He was so young and had his whole life ahead of him."
He added: "Tell the people in your life how much you love them.”
In a statement, the Cheatham County School District told NBC it was 'deeply saddened' by the tragic loss.
A spokesperson said in a statement: “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time. The impact of such a loss is immeasurable."
Tristen's cause of death has not yet been released, and a coroner is currently conducting an investigation into what happened.
Kit Roberts