15-year-old boy Kentucky boy dies after collapsing at high school track practice
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A 15-year-old Kentucky boy died after collapsing at track practice this week, according to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
The boy died early Tuesday at University of Kentucky Medical Center. The coroner’s office identified him as James “Wes” Phillippe.
The coroner’s office said Phillippe collapsed during a track practice Monday at Meece Middle School in Somerset and was transported to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital before coming to UK Medical Center.
The EMS report for the incident said he was unresponsive and had no pulse. Phillippe’s cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy, according to the coroner’s office.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of one of our own,” Kyle Lively, superintendent of Somerset Independent Schools, said in a statement. “Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends during this difficult time. As a school community, we stand together to support each other and honor the memory of a student who will always be a part of the Somerset family.”
Phillippe’s obituary said he was a student at Somerset High School and participated in wrestling and track & field. He also enjoyed riding ATVs and being outdoors.
“Wes will be remembered not only for his adventurous pursuits but also for his unwavering loyalty to family and friends,” Phillippe’s obituary read. “He had a unique ability to offer sound relationship advice, a testament to his kind-hearted nature and deep understanding of the world around him.”
Phillippe had five siblings, according to his obituary. Phillippe’s mother, Marissa Handley, wrote in a Facebook post that her son was a special child.
“He was a wonderful son and I have loved every second of God allowing me to be his momma,” Handley wrote.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 11:31 AM.
