Kansas Teen Football Player Dies from Heat-Related Causes

Tragic Heat-Related Death of Kansas Teen Football Player

MISSION, Kan. -- On August 14, 15-year-old football player Ovet Gomez Regalado suffered a heatstroke during outdoor conditioning at his suburban Kansas City high school. Despite asking for water and appearing pale, he collapsed after a brief 15-minute exercise session and tragically passed away two days later.

The medical examiner reported that on that humid day, temperatures reached 92°F (33.3°C), with higher humidity exacerbating heat stress. Regalado, who weighed 384 pounds and had sickle cell trait, was particularly vulnerable to the extreme conditions, as individuals with the trait are at greater risk under such stressors.

Jeremy Holaday, an official with the Kansas State High School Activities Association, noted that only weights and conditioning activities were permitted prior to the regular practice season. He emphasized the importance of monitoring heat using a wet-bulb globe thermometer, which considers various factors contributing to heat stress.

The report indicated that while the temperatures slightly fell within permissible limits, the rising heat and humidity suggested it was unsafe for outdoor workouts. Following Regalado's collapse, first responders used ice bags to lower his temperature from 104.6°F (40.3°C) to 102°F (38.9°C), but he ultimately succumbed to multisystem organ failure.

The district expressed its condolences, acknowledging the lasting impact of Regalado's premature death on his family and community. Although the Shawnee police department conducted a separate investigation, it concluded without any further action.