A 14-year-old freshman at Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh’s East Hills died on November 18, 2025, after collapsing during basketball practice, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Jaiquawn Jay became unresponsive while taking a break during practice and was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he was pronounced dead.
The cause of death remains unknown as medical examiners continue their investigation. Jay was described as a bright and energetic student whose presence lifted others around him. The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the school community and beyond.
In the wake of the incident, school administrators sent an email to parents and students detailing the circumstances surrounding Jay’s death. According to the correspondence, the teenager collapsed during a break in practice and died on the way to the hospital. The school adjusted its academic day on Wednesday to provide students and staff with space to mourn and process the unexpected loss.
Students and staff at Imani Christian Academy gathered together in grief on Wednesday, coming together as a community to support one another during this difficult time. The emotional toll of losing a young student athlete has been profound, with many struggling to comprehend the sudden nature of the incident.
School leaders have committed to providing additional support services for the community. They indicated they will share more information about counseling services and memorial plans as soon as details are finalized. Access to mental health resources is particularly important following such incidents, as students, staff and families attempt to navigate their grief while maintaining daily routines.
The basketball community has rallied around Jay’s family and teammates in the aftermath of his death. Condolences have been pouring in on social media platforms, with individuals and organizations expressing heartbreak and offering prayers for the boy’s family. The outpouring of support demonstrates the impact Jay had on those who knew him.
Woodland Hills boys basketball shared their condolences on Facebook, writing: “We stand with you in love, strength, and solidarity. To the player’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches — we are lifting you up during this unimaginable time. May his memory live on both on and off the court.”
The incident raises questions about emergency preparedness in school athletic programs. While the specific circumstances of Jay’s collapse remain under investigation, such events underscore the importance of having trained personnel and proper medical equipment readily available during sports activities. Many schools have implemented protocols including automatic external defibrillators on site and staff trained in CPR and emergency response.
Medical emergencies during athletic activities, while relatively rare, require immediate intervention. The time between a collapse and receiving medical attention can be critical. Schools across the country have been working to enhance their emergency response capabilities, particularly for cardiac-related incidents that can occur during strenuous physical activity.
For Imani Christian Academy, the focus now turns to supporting the entire school community through this period of grief. The loss of a student, particularly one so young and full of promise, affects everyone from classmates and teachers to coaches and administrators. The coming days and weeks will likely involve memorial services, continued counseling support, and efforts to honor Jay’s memory.
The basketball team faces the particularly difficult task of processing this loss while navigating their season. Teammates often form close bonds, and the death of a fellow player can have lasting emotional effects. Schools typically work with grief counselors and sports psychologists to help athletes cope with such losses while determining the appropriate path forward.
As the investigation into Jay’s death continues, the medical examiner’s office will work to determine what caused the 14-year-old to collapse. Understanding the cause of death may provide some answers to his family and the school community, though it cannot diminish the profound sense of loss being experienced by all who knew him.
