Bexar County ME rules on cause of death for Northside ISD student-athlete who died after practice

The district says its investigation found no evidence of negligence in the junior's death.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image revealing the internal structure of a human heart, with slightly enlarged walls indicative of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the medical condition that caused the death of a high school student-athlete.An X-ray view of a heart affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the condition that claimed the life of a young student-athlete.San Antonio Today

The Bexar County Medical Examiner has ruled that the cause of death for Jaren Troy Lawson, a 16-year-old Northside ISD student-athlete who passed away after a practice in February, was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition. The medical examiner determined the manner of death was natural. The district said its own investigation found no evidence of negligence in the incident.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young student-athlete has raised concerns about health screening protocols and safety measures for high school sports programs. This case highlights the importance of proactive heart health monitoring and emergency response procedures to protect student wellbeing.

The details

Jaren Troy Lawson, a junior at Stevens High School, passed out during football practice on February 11th and was rushed to the hospital, where he died shortly after midnight. The Bexar County Medical Examiner has now ruled that Lawson's cause of death was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can reduce blood flow. The medical examiner determined the manner of death was natural. Northside ISD said its own investigation found no evidence of negligence, and that Lawson had a current physical on file allowing him to participate in sports.

  • Jaren Troy Lawson passed out during football practice on February 11, 2026.
  • Lawson died shortly after midnight on February 12, 2026.

The players

Jaren Troy Lawson

A 16-year-old junior student-athlete at Stevens High School in the Northside Independent School District who passed away after a practice session.

Northside Independent School District (NISD)

The school district that Jaren Troy Lawson attended, and which conducted its own investigation into his death.

Bexar County Medical Examiner

The county medical examiner's office that ruled on the cause and manner of Jaren Troy Lawson's death.

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What they’re saying

“It's heartbreaking and we're still in shock about it.”

— Melissa Verastegui, Friend of Jaren Troy Lawson

“He had so much light. A very positive, loving person—nothing got him down. He had a very hard life and you wouldn't know it if you met him.”

— Melissa Verastegui, Friend of Jaren Troy Lawson

What’s next

The Northside Independent School District said it remains committed to supporting the Stevens High School community as they continue to grieve Jaren Troy Lawson's passing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of comprehensive health screenings and emergency preparedness for student-athletes, to ensure their safety and wellbeing on the field. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of rare heart conditions that can put young people at risk.