According to NBC 6 South Florida, on November 4, 2023, 14-year-old Knox MacEwen passed away after passing out during a 5K in Florida.
Knox was a member of the Davie, Florida, Western High School JROTC program. Sadly, a heart attack suffered during a 5K run sponsored by the organization ended his brief life.
They took the little youngster to Memorial Hospital Miramar right after, according to NBC Miami, and there they verified his death.
“I am deeply saddened to share this terrible news that impacts our Wildcat community.” Jimmy Arrojo, the administrator of the school, reported the passing of one of our JROTC members this morning in a letter to the staff, students, and family. “I want to send my sincere condolences to his family, friends, teachers, and fellow students during this difficult time of loss.”
He continued, saying, “I encourage our Wildcat community to pray for and support the family during this difficult time.” Please be advised that this week there will be there be grief counselors on campus available to talk with anybody in need of support or help.
The federal high school program JROTC is supported by the US Armed Forces. It is described as a character development curriculum that imparts “self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills” to young people.
Knox was a devoted member of Cooper City’s Crossway Church and was well-liked by many.
“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,” Pastor Jon Elswick said in an open statement regarding the tragic loss.
He continued, saying, “I love that term because if you know Knox, that’s who he was, right? Knox’s dad told me a few days ago that Knox was the best of us. This adolescent embodies all the qualities you would expect of a kind, witty, and loving young man.
We are very saddened by the passing of this young person. I hope he has a quiet rest.