On November 4, 2023, 14-year-old Knox MacEwen tragically collapsed and passed away while participating in a 5K race in Florida, according to NBC 6 South Florida.
Knox was an active member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at Western High School in Davie, Florida.
Sadly, his promising young life came to an unexpected end when he suffered cardiac arrest during the 5K event organized by the JROTC program.
Reports from NBC Miami confirmed that Knox was taken to Memorial Hospital Miramar, where he was later pronounced dead.
Western High School’s principal, Jimmy Arrojo, shared the heartbreaking news with the school community, stating, “I am saddened to share tragic news impacting our Wildcat community. One of our JROTC students passed away this morning after being transported to the hospital.” He added, “I want to offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, teachers, and classmates as they mourn this great loss.”
Principal Arrojo continued, “I ask our Wildcat community to rally around the family in prayer and support during this time of deep sorrow. Please know that grief counselors will be available on campus this week to meet with anyone needing assistance or support.”
JROTC, a federal high school program backed by the U.S. Armed Forces, aims to foster character development in young people. The program is known for teaching self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills.
Knox was an active member of the Crossway Church in Cooper City and was cherished by many.
Pastor Jon Elswick reflected on the profound loss, saying, “I think when you have a tragedy like this, and someone as loved as Knox, there’s ripple effects all the way through our church community. 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 Elswick also shared, “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. This is a teenager who, when you think about him, you think of a loving kid, a caring kid, a funny kid.”
Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by this tragic loss. Knox will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace.
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Love and Peace
