Fresno High Student Daniel Padilla Jr., 14, Dies After Collapsing in PE Class

Daniel Padilla Jr., a 14-year-old Fresno High School student, collapsed during a physical education class Monday and later died at a hospital, the Fresno Unified School District and the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office confirmed.

First responders were called to the Fresno High campus around lunchtime on March 9 after the student went down during PE. Emergency crews arrived shortly after the medical call was made, according to a witness on campus. Padilla was transported to a hospital, where he died.

The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office identified him Tuesday as Daniel Padilla Jr., 14, of Fresno.

In a statement, Fresno Unified said: "Yes, we can confirm that the student who collapsed during PE has tragically passed away at the hospital. Our hearts are with the student's family, friends, and school community during this incredibly difficult time. At this time, we do not have any additional information to share."

The exact activity Padilla was engaged in when he collapsed has not been confirmed by the district. Some outlets reported he was playing basketball during the PE class, while one classmate told Action News the incident may have occurred during a PE drill or test. Fresno Unified has not confirmed either account.

Students at Fresno High were stunned by the emergency and devastated to learn their classmate had not survived. Giovanni, a junior at the school, reflected on what had happened: "I am going to think about it a lot 'cause it could happen to anyone else."

Neighbors near the school also expressed shock and said their hearts went out to the family.

No cause of death has been released. The district said it has no additional information to share at this time.