Family remembers fallen son, warns other student athletes about health conditions
PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- Parents who lost their 17-year-old son to a rare heart condition are urging student athletes everywhere to pay attention to their bodies.
Chase Lightfoot collapsed and died Saturday night during a football game in San Antonio. His mother, Voronica, was there.
"It was the most beautiful evening in San Antonio," Voronica said. "I had just posted on Facebook that no matter what you go through in life, you find your joy in your children."
After halftime, an announcement echoed through the stands.
"They mentioned that a player was down and we immediately started praying," Voronica said. "It was just like everything stood still when they said, 'Is Chase Lightfoot's mom here.'"
Coaches and doctors were not able to save him. An autopsy report revealed Chase died from a rare heart condition related to abnormal coronary arteries.
VIDEO: Shadow Creek football player dies after game
Voronica and her husband Gerald want student athletes to take any symptoms seriously.
"Don't take anything for granted, shortness of breath, chest pain, discomfort," Voronica said. "Don't take it for granted."
Chase's younger brother Jordan said he always looked up to Chase.
"I always dreamed that maybe in the future we would grow up to be adults and speak to each other and hang out," Jordan said.
Jordan plans on playing football in Chase's honor.
Members of the Shadow Creek football team are designing a special decal with Chase's initials to wear on their helmets for the rest of the season.
