Dutch Fork football game canceled following death of player who collapsed at practice

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Officials have identified the Dutch Fork High School football player who died Tuesday after collapsing at practice.

According to Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford, 17-year-old Jack Alkhatib of Irmo died at a local hospital Tuesday after collapsing at practice.

“We are working with SLED and Richland County Sheriff Department to fully investigate this matter. Our thoughts are with his family, the Dutch Fork High School Family, and the Lexington-Richland 5 family,” said Coroner Rutherford.

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A tribute memorial has been placed on the Dutch Fork football field.

A Twitter account for the Dutch Fork football team has announced that the game scheduled for this Friday has been canceled.

Dutch Fork High School is also suspending all football operations until Sunday, August 29.

In a statement, Lexington Richland 5 district officials said:

“As of now, Dutch Fork High School is suspending all football operations until Sunday, August 29.  As a result, Friday night’s game against Gaffney High School has been canceled.

Students and faculty of Dutch Fork High School have been provided counselors and social workers as we follow the District’s grief protocol.

Per state law, School District Five is cooperating with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and SLED on their investigations.

The Dutch Fork High School community is planning an event to honor Jack Alkhatib Friday evening.  Details will be made available tomorrow by 3:00 pm.  We ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for the family and the Dutch Fork community, and we thank all the coaches, schools, and community members who have shown support.”

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