Heart Disease Claims Lives of Young Athletes

The tragic deaths of two high school football players, Semaj Wilkins from Alabama and Leslie Noble from Maryland, have been attributed to heart conditions. Semaj Wilkins, 14, collapsed during practice on August 13, and an autopsy revealed he died from congestive heart failure due to cardiomegaly with biventricular hypertrophy, classified as natural (source: Winnipeg Free Press, Dothan Eagle). Similarly, Leslie Noble, 16, collapsed on August 18 during a practice session, with the Chief Medical Examiner determining his cause of death was also cardiomegaly with biventricular hypertrophy, deemed a natural death (source: CBS News Baltimore, The Baltimore Banner). Both communities expressed their grief and support for the families, with Noble remembered as a beloved athlete and positive influence at his school. Vigils were held in their honor, highlighting the impact of their untimely deaths on their peers and communities.