Shane Thomas, an All-City soccer player at Palisades Charter High School, died Saturday at a park in Chino Hills while at a training session with his team for the upcoming season, it was reported Tuesday. He was 17.
In an email, Jimmy Nordberg, executive director of FC Golden State, said, “We are truly saddened by his loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was found after practice away from the field and we are all devastated here at the club,” the Los Angeles Times reported.
Thomas’ sister, Cheyenne, said Thomas left the field at Ayala Park to take some balls to his coach’s car. When he did not return, teammates started a search. She said he was found unresponsive. Paramedics were called and CPR given but he could not be revived. His parents were at the park.
Temperatures reached a high of 111 at noon in Chino Hills in San Bernardino County on Saturday.
Gabriel Morales, supervising investigator with San Bernardino County Sheriff Coroners office, said Thomas collapsed about 12:15 p.m. He was taken by ambulance to Chino Valley Medical Center, where he died at 1:13 p.m.
Morales said investigators believe his death was likely heat-related but a final determination won’t be known until an autopsy is concluded.
Thomas had recently joined the elite club team.
“He was proud to be on that team,” Cheyenne said.
Thomas scored 19 goals last season as a junior for the Dolphins and was set to be team captain this coming season.
Thomas is survived by his mother, father and sister.