Disturbing reason beloved private school boy, 15, died suddenly after water polo game revealed by mayor
A Miami prep school student who died suddenly following a water polo game may have suffered from a hidden genetic heart defect. Lucas Osuna, 15, died on Friday moments after the end of a game he played for his $23,000-per-year school Belen Jesuit Prep School in Miami, Florida. Officials said Osuna was in the cool down pool when his aorta malfunctioned, and despite life-saving efforts the 15-year-old passed away shortly after. Osuna's devastated family said they were unaware of his heart issues, according to Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a family friend who is acting as their spokesperson. 'Obviously they’re devastated by this tragedy, but at the same time they’re also overwhelmed by the messages of support,' Suarez told NBC6. 'This is not anything that is comprehendible, comprehensible, it’s a parent’s worst nightmare, but they are people of faith and they are rallying around each other to process this the best way that they can.' As the family deals with the sudden loss, the teen's father Mike Osuna took to Facebook to pay tribute to his son and dispel 'the rumors or misinformation circulating online' over the tragedy. 'He embodied perseverance, determination and overcoming all the obstacles life threw his way,' the stricken father wrote online. 'We ask that you take a moment to hug your loved ones a little tighter and keep us in your thoughts.' Miami high school student Lucas Osuna, 15, died suddenly following a water polo game on Friday after suffering what his family believe was an unknown heart defect Osuna's devastated family said he 'embodied perseverance, determination and overcoming all the obstacles life threw his way' News of Osuna's passing was first shared by his father on social media, where he described his son's sudden death as an 'unfathomable loss.' He said his son's nickname was 'Thor', and added: 'In true Superhero fashion, he embodied perseverance, determination and overcoming all the obstacles life threw his way. 'In moments of tragedy, our 8N Family has proven to unite in prayer, compassion, faith, and above all, Love.' Belen Jesuit Prep School, where Osuna attended, said his death was 'unexpected' and said the school was hit with 'unimaginable grief.' The school reportedly held a day of prayer on Saturday to remember Osuna, and students said the community was stunned by the teen's passing. 'You’re going to school with that kid one day and the next, he’s not here,' student Justin Otero told NBC6. 'It just makes you want to hold everyone you love a little longer.' Osuna's family shared their grief over his sudden passing, describing it as an 'unfathomable loss' As the family deals with the sudden loss, the teen's father Mike Osuna took to Facebook to pay tribute to his son and dispel 'the rumors or misinformation circulating online' over the tragedy Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he is longtime family friends with the Osuna's, and said this week as a spokesperson for the family they were 'navigating this tragedy with grace, faith, and resilience' Jose Ballesteros, a senior at the school, added that the school day was 'very quiet' and 'very somber' in the days after. 'I feel like a lot of people forget at this age that death can effect anybody and even people like me that are younger, you usually think you have your life ahead of you and you’re not worried about that,' he said. Suarez explained that he was good friends with Osuna's father, and said he had been asked to serve as their spokesperson 'during this difficult time.' 'The Osuna family is mourning the loss of their eldest son while navigating this tragedy with grace, faith, and resilience,' he said. 'We ask that the public respect the family's privacy as they grieve this unimaginable loss.'
