Sad news to report from Newport News as a rising freshmen at Menchville High School in Joy Meyer died during a cross country team practice this past Thursday on the Noland Trail 5 mile loop at the Mariner's Museum. It was the first day of their team's practices before the 14 year old Meyer felt dizzy and collapsed near the end of the run when she was then rushed to the local hospital and they were unable to revive her. Our condolences go out to the Menchville High School team and community as well as the family of Joy Meyer. The Menchville cross country coaches Chris Chappell and Dennis Zollicoffer, released the following statement to the public: "Joy Meyer was a young lady that truly embodied her name. She was joyful. She always had a smile on her face. She was a great encouragement to her team. Joy was a very hard worker and dedicated to her sport. We will miss her and the joy she brought to our team."
The cause of Meyer's death has yet to be released publicly, but please everyone be alert and cautious out there as they resume practices and strenous training for this great sport as well as do regular check-ups with medical professionals to see if there are any possible body defects or pre-existing health conditions to draw into consideration when doing any strenous cardiovascular activity such as distance running. This recent news brings back sad memories of past runners from our state over the years who passed away after collapsing during training runs including Grace Lovegrove from Patrick Henry High School (Roanoke) and Christopher Newport University as well as Kelly Watt from Albemarle High School and the College of William & Mary. Lovegrove collapsed and later died on a run not far from where Moyer collapsed as well while running for CNU back in 2005.
It is very difficult to see coming or predict freak accidents or deaths, but when tragedies like these happen again, there is no harm in exploring or considering any preventive measures that you can control to minimize the chances of risking loss of life while distance running. Proper hydration, running with others, being familiar with your surroundings and training route, checking the weather forecasts, etc. Several local newspapers and TV stations have provided coverage on the tragic event below.
- WTKR.com: Teen collapses, dies during cross country practice in Newport News
- WAVY.com: Rising NN freshmen dies after practice
- Daily Press: Newport News student dies after cross country practice
Obituary w/ Viewing & Funeral Details:
NEWPORT NEWS - Joy Eleni Meyer, age 14, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2013. Born in Richmond, she was a resident of Newport News from the age of 2. Joy was an honor student at Gildersleeve Middle School and, as a rising freshman, looked forward to joining the Menchville class of 2017. She loved trying new recipes, singing in the chorus, playing sports, and spending time with her friends and family. She will be remembered for her fun-loving nature and her sweet spirit. Joy is survived by her parents, Ray and Kim Meyer; her sister, Ruby; her brother, Luke; her grandparents, John and Tina Meyer, and Cary and Edna Koronas; her great-grandmother, Nora Koronas; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2150 Cunningham Drive, Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 8. Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton. Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions is in charge of arrangements. - See more at: www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailypress/obituary.aspx....
WAVY TV 10 Video:
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