Tennessee high school cross country star, 15, collapses and dies while on run, officials say

A high school cross-country star in Tennessee died while on a run in his neighborhood amid scorching temperatures, school district officials said.

Tristen Franklin, 15, a student at Sycamore High School in Pleasant View, had gone for a run in his neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon when he suddenly collapsed and quick-thinking neighbors called 911, NBC affiliate WSMV of Nashville reported.

Franklin had been running outdoors as the Nashville area was experiencing extreme heat, with three consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures Tuesday through Thursday. Pleasant View is located about 30 miles northwest of Nashville.

Cheatham County School District told NBC News in a statement it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the young student’s death.

“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. Counseling support is being provided this week at Sycamore High School to assist those affected during this grieving process,” the statement said.

Troy Simpkins, one of Franklin’s neighbors, said he saw the teen go for a routine jog every day for the last year. On Tuesday, he saw Franklin run by from his window as usual, but soon after, he collapsed.

“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,” Simpkins told WSMV. Then the group called 911.

“My heart just goes out to them. I mean it’s so sad that he was so young, and he had his whole life ahead of him so tell the people you love how much you love them,” Simpkins added.