A 15-year-old boy tragically passed away while out for a run as temperatures soared to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tristen Franklin was on a run in Pleasant View, Tennessee, on Tuesday, August 27, when he suddenly collapsed.
Residents of the town, which is approximately 30 miles northwest of Nashville, saw the teenager fall and immediately dialed 911.
Despite the paramedics’ efforts to save him, Tristen unfortunately did not survive.
Identified by the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, the 15-year-old was an accomplished cross country runner who had been on a routine jog at the time of his collapse.
Tristen was a sophomore at Sycamore High School and a member of the school’s cross country team.
The route he had taken was a familiar one as part of his regular exercise routine.
Neighbor Troy Simpkins mentioned how he often saw Tristen out and about during his own runs.
Simpkins shared his account with NBC affiliate WSMV, describing how he frequently saw the teenager running.
He said: “He would run in the afternoon when Tom [his husband] would be outside with the dog and quite a few times he would run over and just quickly pet the dog and say hi and he would just keep on running.”
Recounting the moment of Tristen’s collapse, Simpkins said: “I saw him run past like I have many, many times and I didn’t really think anything of it.
“My husband brought our dog out which he does every day when his work day is done and there was a gentleman two doors down that was waving at him frantically like trying to get his attention.”
The group of neighbors then called 911 in an attempt to help Tristen.
“My heart just goes out to them. I mean, it is so sad,” Simpkins said. “He was so young and had his whole life ahead of him.”
He also shared a poignant reminder: “Tell the people in your life how much you love them.”
The Cheatham County School District expressed their condolences in a statement to NBC, saying they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the loss.
A spokesperson stated: “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time. The impact of such a loss is immeasurable.”
The exact cause of Tristen’s death has not yet been revealed, and a coroner is currently investigating the circumstances.