A 14-year-old freshman at Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh’s East Hills died after collapsing during basketball practice on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Jaiquawn Jay became unresponsive while taking a break during the training session and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death, though the cause remains unknown. The sudden loss has left the school community grappling with profound grief as students, staff, and families process the unexpected tragedy.

According to an email sent to parents and students, Jay died on the way to the hospital after becoming unresponsive during his practice break. The young athlete was described as a bright and energetic student whose presence lifted others around him.

Students and staff at Imani Christian Academy came together in grief on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, following the teenager’s death. School administrators adjusted the academic day to provide everyone space to mourn and process a loss no one was prepared for.

The incident occurred during what should have been a routine basketball practice at the Pittsburgh school. When Jay collapsed during a break, immediate action was taken to transport him to a nearby hospital. Despite these efforts, the freshman could not be saved.

Basketball practice sessions typically involve intense physical activity interspersed with rest periods, during which players hydrate and recover before resuming drills. The fact that Jay collapsed during a break rather than during active play makes the circumstances particularly concerning for investigators and medical professionals trying to determine what caused his death.

Sudden cardiac events during athletic activities, while rare in teenagers, can occur due to various underlying heart conditions that may go undetected. Medical examiners will likely conduct thorough investigations to determine whether an undiagnosed condition contributed to the young athlete’s death.

The school community has rallied around Jay’s family in the wake of this loss. Condolences poured in on social media from fellow students, parents, coaches, and other schools in the area. Many expressed heartbreak and offered prayers for the boy’s family as they navigate this difficult time.

A Facebook post from the Woodland Hills boys basketball team stated: “We stand with you in love, strength, and solidarity. To the player’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches — we are lifting you up during this unimaginable time. May his memory live on both on and off the court.”

School leaders acknowledged the profound impact of Jay’s death on the entire school community. Beyond adjusting the academic schedule to allow for grieving, administrators are working to provide comprehensive support services for students and staff struggling to cope with the loss.

On Wednesday, school officials indicated they would share more information about counseling services and memorial plans as soon as details are finalized. Mental health support following such sudden losses is critical for helping young people process grief and trauma in healthy ways.

The death of a young athlete during practice raises questions about screening protocols and emergency preparedness at schools. Many educational institutions have implemented cardiac screening programs and trained staff in CPR and automated external defibrillator use to respond quickly to medical emergencies.

For Jay’s teammates, the loss is particularly difficult. Student athletes often form close bonds through shared practices, games, and team experiences. Processing the death of a teammate requires specialized grief support that addresses both the personal loss and the team dynamic.

As the investigation into Jay’s death continues, the focus remains on supporting his family, friends, and the broader school community. The memorial services being planned will provide an opportunity for those who knew him to celebrate his life and the positive impact he had on others during his time at Imani Christian Academy.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office continues its investigation to determine the exact cause of death, which may take several weeks as toxicology reports and other test results are completed and analyzed.