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Teen who collapsed during football drills died of heatstroke, autopsy reveals

Hillsborough County school leaders have made changes since Hezekiah Walters' tragic death.
Credit: The Walters' Family

TAMPA, Fla. — The 14-year-old who collapsed during football conditioning drills at Tampa's Middleton High School died of heatstroke, a final autopsy report reveals.

Hezekiah Walters passed away in June.

About 20 minutes into conditioning, which included sprints and "ladder drills," Walters stopped for a water break in the hot weather and vomited before collapsing. He died less than an hour and a half later.

The deputy chief medical examiner's report lists an enlarged heart as a contributing cause of death and mentions Walters' high body mass index -- but heatstroke was the main cause of death.

Walters was an incoming freshman. 

The Hillsborough County school board has since approved adding year-round athletic trainers at its high schools in an effort to keep students safe.

RELATED: Family takes legal action after student dies following football conditioning

RELATED: Medical examiner: Teen who collapsed during football drills was in cardiac arrest

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