A family and a school community are in mourning following the sudden death of student and Varsity soccer manager, Blake Barklage.
The tragedy unfolded at La Salle College High School in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where the High School Senior suffered a cardiac incident after a soccer game.
Paramedics rushed the 17-year-old to hospital but sadly he passed away.
Classmate Kyle Adriaansen told CBS Philly,
“The moment he hit the floor I could just see it in his eyes that something was wrong.”
A letter released by the school remembered Blake as a great athlete and student, and an active participant in school initiatives, including being the school’s varsity soccer manager.
The senior soccer team manager from the La Salle College High School said that Blake had no prior health conditions.
Officials reported there were no drugs involved in the student’s death and that he died of sudden cardiac arrest.
Blake’s heartbroken father, Tom Barklage told CBS Philly,
“You hear those words that no parent ever wants to hear- ‘Blake is dead.”
Barklage was described as a person who always strove to help others, and he was loved by many.
Tributes flooded social media offering condolences and prayers for Blake’s family. St. Joseph’s Prep said on Facebook,
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Blake’s family and friends and the entire La Salle College High School Community…Eternal Rest grant unto Blake, and let the perpetual light shine upon him.”
La Salle College High School honored Barklage, the life he lived, and the impact he had on others on Facebook.
“Rest easy, brother.”
