A freshman died at a high school during football practice in Alameda on Tuesday, prompting questions about how that happened and sparking a wave of grief counselors to the campus.
On Wednesday morning, the Alameda County Coroner's Office identified the boy as 15-year-old Giovanni Pulido from Oakland.
Giovanni was at football practice at Encinal High School, located at 210 Central Ave., when firefighters were called to help. School district spokeswoman Susan Davis said the boy collapsed outdoors on the football field during pre-season conditioning.
One of Giovanni's friends, Abraham Urias, told NBC Bay Area that he thinks his friend didn't get enough water to drink during practice. "He said he was too hot and he just passed out," Abraham said, adding that he thought Giovanni was otherwise healthy. "He was running and he fell on the ground," he said.
Abraham described Giovanni as a "kind person, a nice person to know. He was always positive."
Principal Kirsten Zazo sent a note to parents informing them with a "heavy heart" about the school tragedy. She said counselors will be on campus for the rest of the week to help each other "during this difficult time."
Davis said officials will be examining guidelines for football practices. School authorities said an official cause of death will not be available for up to 12 weeks.
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Classmates on Wednesday gathered for a private moment on the field where Giovanni collapsed.
"He's still in my heart," Urias said.
Support for Giovanni also continues to grow on social media. His family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral expenses.
