12-Year-Old Dies After Collapsing at Soccer Practice

Adriel Enriquez passed away following an incident during a training session with his club team in San Bernardino.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 12-year-old boy named Adriel Enriquez tragically died after collapsing during a soccer practice session with his club team, Platinum IE, in San Bernardino, California. Paramedics were called to the scene and rushed Adriel to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not yet been determined by the county coroner.

Why it matters

The sudden and unexpected death of a young athlete during a routine practice session has shaken the local community and raised concerns about the safety protocols and medical precautions in place for youth sports activities, especially during periods of unusually warm weather.

The details

Adriel Enriquez collapsed on the soccer field on February 26 while practicing with his club team, Platinum IE. Paramedics were called to the scene around 8:40 p.m. and rushed Adriel to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Adriel's uncle, Joshua Gutierrez, said the 12-year-old had no known medical issues, and his passing was "unexpected and an absolute shock." Coaches and teammates remembered Adriel as a "sweet, gentle, and shy" player who left a mark on everyone around him.

  • Adriel Enriquez collapsed on the soccer field on February 26, 2026.
  • Paramedics were called to the scene around 8:40 p.m. on February 26, 2026.

The players

Adriel Enriquez

A 12-year-old boy who collapsed and died during a soccer practice session with his club team, Platinum IE, in San Bernardino.

Joshua Gutierrez

Adriel Enriquez's uncle, who launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and expenses.

Platinum IE

The soccer club that Adriel Enriquez played for, which remembered him as a "sweet, gentle, and shy" player who left a mark on everyone around him.

Eric Sherwin

A San Bernardino County Fire Department captain who confirmed that paramedics were sent to the scene around 8:40 p.m. on February 26.

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What they’re saying

“What started as a normal afternoon doing what he loved turned into every parent's worst nightmare.”

— Joshua Gutierrez, Adriel Enriquez's uncle (GoFundMe)

“Adriel had no medical issues that we were aware of, and his passing was unexpected and an absolute shock.”

— Joshua Gutierrez, Adriel Enriquez's uncle (Facebook)

“He was the sweetest most gentle and shy soul with a quiet strength that touched everyone around him. Forever our #23.”

— Platinum IE (Social media)

What’s next

The county coroner is expected to release the cause of death for Adriel Enriquez in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of having robust safety protocols and medical precautions in place for youth sports activities, especially during periods of extreme weather conditions. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and education around the potential risks faced by young athletes, so that parents, coaches, and organizers can work together to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants.