The state medical examiner is trying to figure out why a 12-year-old boy collapsed in the soccer field and died later in a hospital in central Massachusetts.
Joshua Thibodeau of Holden collapsed at a soccer camp around 10 a.m. during a low-speed drill with 15 other players Monday morning. Emergency medical workers rushed him to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, where doctors pronounced him dead less than an hour later.
The office of the state medical examiner will conduct an autopsy Tuesday afternoon to determine the cause of death.
Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said police are also investigating the incident.
The boy and his brother were attending the Zalgiris Soccer Camp at Wachusett Regional High School.
Early said Joshua did not have any indication of a pre-existing medical condition, and he had a medical waiver clearing him to attend the camp.
A statement released by Joshua’s parents described him as a “kind-hearted, caring, loving son and brother.”
“His smile lit up our world as well as his light-hearted, and borderline goofy, personality. Josh loved sports and was an exemplary athlete, student, and friend. Josh was fun!”
The Associated Press and MyFoxBoston.com contributed to this report.
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