Northside ISD releases details after football player Jaren Lawson collapsed at practice, later died

The 16-year-old junior collapsed at an off-season athletic practice and later died at the hospital.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Northside Independent School District has released the initial findings of its investigation into the death of Stevens High School football player Jaren Lawson, who collapsed at practice this week and later died. The district said Jaren's coaches were aware he had been sick and told him he could skip practice, and that there was no evidence he informed the coaching staff of an inability to participate. The Bexar County Medical Examiner has not determined the cause and manner of Jaren's death.

Why it matters

The death of a student athlete during practice raises concerns about school safety protocols and the pressure young athletes can face to push through illness or injury. Northside ISD is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Jaren's collapse and death.

The details

Jaren, a 16-year-old junior, collapsed at an off-season athletic practice on Tuesday. School athletic trainers assessed him at the scene before medics took him to the hospital, where he died on Wednesday morning. Media reports have said Jaren began stumbling and struggling to speak while the team was doing up-downs, an exercise that alternates between running in place and dropping to the ground. Northside ISD said interviews revealed Jaren's coaches were aware he had been sick on Monday and told him he could skip practice, and that there was no evidence he informed the coaching staff of an inability to participate.

  • Jaren collapsed at an off-season athletic practice on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Jaren died at the hospital on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Jaren Lawson

A 16-year-old junior at Stevens High School in the Northside Independent School District who collapsed at practice and later died.

Julisa Gonzalez

A senior at Stevens High School who described Jaren as a motivated and passionate individual, especially when it came to football.

Northside Independent School District

The school district that released the initial findings of its investigation into Jaren's death.

Barry Perez

A spokesperson for Northside Independent School District who provided details about the district's investigation.

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What they’re saying

“He was an extremely driven individual as a whole.”

— Julisa Gonzalez, Stevens High School senior (expressnews.com)

“Early findings indicate no evidence that Jaren informed his coaching staff of an inability to participate in practice.”

— Barry Perez, Northside ISD spokesperson (expressnews.com)

“Northside ISD is committed to a transparent and exhaustive investigation. We ask for the community's continued patience as we work to verify every detail, ensuring that all final conclusions are based on a complete and accurate record of events.”

— Barry Perez, Northside ISD spokesperson (expressnews.com)

“Northside ISD remains deeply saddened by the loss of Jaren Lawson. Our primary focus continues to be supporting Jaren's family, the students and the staff at Stevens High School during this difficult time.”

— Barry Perez, Northside ISD spokesperson (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Bexar County Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of Jaren Lawson's death.

The takeaway

The tragic death of a young student athlete during practice highlights the importance of school safety protocols, monitoring student health, and supporting the well-being of the entire school community during difficult times.