Teen collapses on basketball court, dies

PEARLAND, Texas – A teenager collapsed at a Pearland school and later died, investigators said.

Pearland police said the teen, Folabi Akanbi, was playing a pick-up game at Silverlake Elementary, 2550 County Road 90, on Wednesday afternoon.

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The 17-year-old teen suddenly collapsed on the playground court while playing with friends. They called 911 and when paramedics arrived, they took him to Memorial Hermann where he was pronounced dead, investigators said.

Number 79 on the Dawson Eagles team at Dawson High School, many said Akanbi was impressive.

At 6-feet 5-inches tall and 290 pounds, Akanbi had signed a letter of intent to play football for Montana State.

But Akanbi was more than an athlete. The honors student was a scholar as well, and teammates say his presence will be missed more than anything.

"He was a great guy, a great friend, a great teammate," said Trey, one of Akanbi's teammates.

Akanbi's death quickly spread amongst his classmates on social media.

"I couldn't believe it at first, and it didn't really hit me," said Trey. "He affected so many people's lives. He affected a lot of people."

Officials have not said if the teen had any pre-existing conditions.


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