HAYDEN, Colo.—An official cause of death for a Hayden High School student who died after collapsing on the school’s football field is expected sometime Thursday, Routt County Coroner Rob Ryg said.
Robert Donelson, 15, was doing a daily walk around the football field during health class when he collapsed at about 1 p.m. Tuesday. Witnesses say he got up and continued walking but fell a second time and started convulsing.
West Routt Fire Chief Brian Rickman said teachers and a school nurse tried to resuscitate the boy, but he wasn’t breathing and had no pulse when the ambulance arrived.
Officials say they suspect Donelson suffered cardiac arrest but aren’t sure what triggered it.
Ryg said an official cause of death should be known by the end of the day Thursday, following an autopsy.
Meanwhile, friends and teachers remembered Donelson as a friendly classmate and helpful student who counted cabinetmaking and woodworking among his favorite classes.
Teacher Jeff Steinsberger, who had Donelson in his woodworking classes, said the sophomore had a “great attitude” and was always willing to be a mentor to his peers.
“He came in to class with a smile on his face,” Steinsberger said. “He would help anyone with anything if they asked.”
Mental health experts from Hayden, Steamboat Springs and Moffatt County held counseling sessions with students throughout the day Wednesday.
In the afternoon, about 20 students carried flowers onto the field where Donelson collapsed. A tribute to the boy, including a cross and a large sheet of paper for students to write messages, was set in the school’s hallway.
A memorial was being planned in coordination with Donelson’s family, including his older brother, who also is a student at Hayden High School.
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Information from: Steamboat Pilot & Today,
