News Summary
Following the tragic loss of their son Hezekiah during football practice, the Walters family from Tampa is dedicated to educating the community about heat-related illnesses and CPR training. Hezekiah suffered a seizure and heat distress, highlighting the urgent need for safety protocols in athletic activities. The family honors his memory through awareness campaigns and events, urging others to be proactive in preventing similar tragedies, especially during hot months. Their efforts have led to new training protocols and heightened safety measures in Hillsborough County schools.
Tampa, Florida – A Tampa family is tirelessly advocating for heat awareness and CPR training following the tragic death of their son, Hezekiah Walters, who collapsed during football practice at Middletown High School in June 2019. Hezekiah, a teenager, suffered a seizure and had a dangerously elevated body temperature of 102°F at the time he fell. His untimely passing has compelled his family to spread a vital message aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As Hezekiah would be turning 20 years old soon, the emotional weight of his absence continues to affect the family profoundly. His sister, Phylisiti Walters, recounts the overwhelming feelings upon learning about her brother’s death, which remain vivid. The family recently attended a private remembrance ceremony organized by St. Joseph’s Hospital, designed for families grieving the loss of children. Phylisiti highlighted the poignant absence of Hezekiah in family photographs and gatherings, underscoring the void left behind.
In response to the heat-related circumstances surrounding Hezekiah’s death, the Walters family emphasizes the critical need for awareness about heat-related illnesses, especially during months of high temperatures. This past July, they hosted a CPR training event at the Tampa Skills Center, aiming to educate the community on life-saving techniques that could make a difference in life-threatening situations. Phylisiti also urged others to stay hydrated, especially given the high heat indices common in Florida.
The family’s grief intensifies during significant times of the year, such as the beginning of the school year and the holiday season. Friends of Hezekiah have expressed how integral he was to their high school experience, stressing that they would not have thrived without his support. With his peers nearing college graduation, the emotional impact of his absence is more deeply felt.
In the wake of Hezekiah’s death, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an investigation into the cause of death, which was initially thought to be heart-related. The incident led to a suspension of all summer workouts and athletic activities in Hillsborough County public schools as officials undertook safety reviews. The Hillsborough County Schools district responded by implementing a full review of safety procedures for athletics, a precautionary measure to ensure student safety.
The result of the family’s loss has not been in vain; it has driven forward new training protocols designed to combat heat-related illnesses during athletic activities. In August 2019, the Hillsborough County School Board responded to the incident by unanimously voting to increase the presence of athletic trainers in high schools, thereby enhancing the support available to student athletes. A $1 million settlement was also approved by the school district for the Walters family, acknowledging lapses in the adherence to safety protocols. The newly adopted training protocols are set to hold staff accountable for following established safety guidelines during athletic events.
As they work to prevent future tragedies, the Walters family remains dedicated to increasing awareness of heat-related risks and the importance of CPR training. Their efforts reflect a passion for changing the landscape of athlete safety in their community, ensuring that Hezekiah’s legacy lives on through the proactive steps they are taking in his memory.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Hezekiah Walters Family Urges Awareness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat-Related Illness
- USA Today: Florida High School Freshman Hezekiah Walters Dies
- Google Search: CPR Training
- WTSP: Family Takes Legal Action After Student Dies
- Google News: Athlete Safety
- New York Post: Florida Teen Dies After Collapsing
- Google Scholar: Heat Exhaustion in Athletes
- WTSP: Hillsborough County Schools Names Policies
- AccuWeather: Boy Collapses and Dies After Overheating
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
