NBC 6 South Florida says that 14-year-old Knox MacEwen fainted and died while running a 5K in Florida on November 4, 2023.

Knox participated in the JROTC program at Western High School in Davie, Florida. Unfortunately, a heart attack during a program-organized 5K cut short his young life.

NBC Miami reports that they rushed the small child to Memorial Hospital Miramar, where they later confirmed his death.

“I am heartbroken to relay unfortunate news that affects our Wildcat community.” In a letter to students, family, and staff, Jimmy Arrojo, the school’s principal, announced the death of one of our JROTC students this morning. “I want to offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, teachers, and classmates as they mourn this great loss.”

He went on to say, “During this difficult time, I encourage our Wildcat community to pray for and support the family. Please be aware that grief counselors will be on campus this week to speak with anybody who requires assistance or support.”

The United States Armed Forces supports JROTC, a government high school program. It is defined as a character development program that teaches young people “self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills.”

Many people liked Knox, who was an enthusiastic member of the Crossway Church in Cooper City.

Pastor Jon Elswick opened up about the devastating loss, saying, “I think when you have a tragedy like this and someone as loved as Knox, there’s ripple effects through our church community, so we have students that were friends with him, family members that are friends with his family, so it’s been a really difficult time.”

He went further: “Knox’s dad said to me a couple of days ago that Knox was the best of us, and I love that phrase because if you knew Knox, that’s who he was, right? This is a teenager who, when you think about him, you think of a loving kid, a caring kid, and a funny kid.”

We are deeply sad for the loss of such a young life. May he rest peacefully.