ASHLAND, OHIO: Breanne McKean, a senior at Mapleton High School in Ashland, Ohio, died during school program festivities on Friday, September 29.
The 17-year-old who was introduced as a Homecoming Queen candidate at the event conducted collapsed on the football field.
According to Mapleton Local Schools, McKean died of an undisclosed "medical emergency," reports New York Post.
Breanne McKean's grieving father pays tribute
Talking to News 5 Cleveland, Tim McKean, father of Breanne who works at the Ohio high school's athletic director, said that his daughter collapsed on the field where the Mounties were scheduled to play South Central.
Breanne was transported to Ashland Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Tim said his daughter touched many lives and "was everything to us." He added that Breanne lettered in several sports including basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Game was suspended at halftime after head coaches heard of Breanne McKean's death
The Ashland Source reported that South Central head coach Derek Fisher and Mapleton head coach Matt Stafford decided to suspend the football game at halftime when they heard that Breanne had died.
Ashland County Coroner's Office investigator Jenny Taylor disclosed to the outlet that the teenager's body was shifted to Lucas County to undergo an autopsy.
Mapleton School mourns the loss of Breanne McKean
Paying an emotional tribute to McKean, the Mapleton school district stated, "Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to the McKean family, friends, and the Mapleton community."
"Mapleton staff and grief counselors were available immediately after this announcement to provide comfort and support," read the statement on the Mapleton school district's Facebook page.
"A special thank you goes out to the South Central community, administration, coaches, players, and fans for their compassion and support last night," the statement added.
"We would also like to thank our Mapleton community and surrounding school districts and communities for their continued support, encouragement, and prayers during this difficult time,” it said.
The officials have announced that they will continue to offer counseling on Monday to help those affected by this devastating event.
The homecoming dance, originally scheduled for the day following the tragic death, was canceled along with all Mapleton athletic events through Wednesday.
The girl's volleyball team of which McKean was a member also shared a message about canceling a planned youth volleyball camp and games scheduled for the week.
"Please pray for the McKean family, our volleyball family and, the Mapleton community," the Mapleton Volleball team wrote on Facebook.
