A teenage cross-country runner died Thursday morning following a workout with his team at a Denton park, police and the district say.
Denton Public Safety Dispatch said they were called just after 8 a.m. when an unconscious boy was found at South Lakes Park, near the 500 block of Hobson Lane.
Witnesses performed CPR on the boy, identified by the Denton Independent School District Thursday afternoon as Dylan Dorrell, a senior at Guyer High School.
Denton Fire and Rescue took Dorrell to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, police said.
"We ask that you please keep Dylan’s family in your hearts and minds as they struggle with his loss," the district said in a letter to students and family members Thursday. "Tragedies of this magnitude are difficult to overcome, but the Guyer family has proven to be resilient time and time again and we will support each other in dealing with this unexpected loss."
The district said Dorrell was in the park for a workout with his team.
"Our hearts go out to the entire DISD family, as well as the student, and their friends and family," police said in a statement.
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Denton police said they are working with the school district to make crisis counselors available for students and faculty.
"As we come to terms with this untimely passing, we ask that you let your son/daughter know of his loss and check on his/her well wellbeing. We suggest that you listen closely to what they have to say and:
- If they have questions, answer them simply and honestly.
- Do not attempt to hide your own feelings when discussing their own.
- Discuss your own family’s belief about death. Lastly, we ask you to be aware of your student’s feelings as well as your own. Emotions and feelings can bring different reactions, sometimes unexpected and difficult.
District officials urged that anyone struggling with the loss or their emotions to please reach out to an adult on campus for support.
