Denver, CO – Broncos Country is grieving after the tragic death of 15-year-old Preston Malone, a Texas high school football player whose determination, talent, and humility had many believing he carried the spark of a future MVP.
Malone suffered a medical emergency during football practice, collapsing after sprint drills and alerting coaches he was not feeling well. Trainers responded immediately, placing him in a cooling tub before paramedics arrived to provide urgent medical care.
Although he never lost consciousness and even spoke with coaches at the hospital, Malone’s condition unexpectedly worsened overnight. On Wednesday morning, Lancaster Independent School District officials confirmed the devastating news of his passing, leaving a community heartbroken.
In his final moments, Malone apologized to his coach for not completing drills and promised his trainer he would be okay. Those words now echo painfully for teammates and everyone who believed in his bright future.
“Preston carried himself with maturity far beyond his years,” Superintendent A. Katrise Perera said. “Our hearts are broken, and we send our deepest condolences to his family, teammates, and community during this unimaginable loss.”
Broncos fans have joined thousands across the nation in offering prayers and tributes to the Malone family. For many, Preston represents more than a high school athlete — he embodied courage, humility, and the dream of reaching the NFL.
The district has canceled football practices this week, while grief counselors support students and staff. Even in tragedy, Malone’s spirit continues to inspire, reminding all that his resilience and heart will never be forgotten.
For Broncos Country, Preston Malone will forever be remembered as a symbol of hope — a “future MVP” whose love for football reflects the same relentless passion that defines the Mile High tradition.
School officials said they were “hopeful for his recovery, but his condition changed overnight” and he died on Wednesday morning.
Athletic trainers did “an exceptional job” following heat “procedures and protocols,” school officials said.
Due to the warm temperatures in Texas, coaches decided to keep football practice indoors on Monday, officials said. Players were also allotted five water breaks — each two minutes long — but were also allowed to grab additional water at other times, officials said.
While the indoor facility did not have an HVAC system installed, the space had four “large garage door areas” that are “always lifted up” along with fans to circulate air, officials said.
Officials also said the players were only wearing shoulder pads and shorts during this practice.
Malone’s official cause of death has not been released. School officials said they are asking the community to “join us in keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers.”
“No one ever wants to be in this position. As a mother, I never want to call a family and share that their kid is not safe in our building [or] our facilities and something has happened to them,” Perera said during the press conference.
Grief counselors are available at Lancaster High School and “across the district for students and staff” through the end of the week, officials said.
The school district has canceled football practices for the remainder of the week, officials said.
