The family of a 13-year-old who died after suffering a cardiac arrest during football practice has spoken out about the heartbreaking loss.
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Caden Sorrell, a student at Northwest Guilford Middle School in Greensboro, North Carolina, suffered the medical emergency during practice on Friday.
He had just completed a lap around the field at the beginning of practice when he suddenly collapsed.
Emergency crews rushed Caden to Cone Hospital, where doctors fought to save his life. Despite their efforts, he died on Sunday.
Football Player Died After Cardiac Arrest at Practice
Caden's older sister, Vanessa Clark, has since spoken to WXII about her brother and the devastating incident.
"Caden was an angel from heaven. He was brilliant, sweet, smart, kind; he made everybody around him feel loved," she said.
"He was a picture of health. We don't know why [it happened] but it did."
Clark said she was shopping at Walmart when her mother called to tell her the shocking news about her brother.
"I was praying for him, and I hoped that he got better, that he was healed — which he was spiritually," she added. "I'm there for him, and I love him."
After arriving at the hospital, Caden received treatment with a heart pump and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a form of life support that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs.
Unfortunately, the life-saving measures proved unsuccessful. The family said that the damage was "too severe, and they were unable to save his life."
Family Reveals Possible Genetic Condition
Officials have not yet publicly confirmed Caden's cause of death. However, his family said doctors believe an underlying genetic condition may have contributed to his sudden cardiac arrest.
Caden leaves behind four siblings, including his twin brother, who are now set to undergo testing for the condition.
"Doctors believe Caden's death may have been caused by an underlying genetic condition, and his siblings now need to be evaluated by specialists," the family shared.
"Making this even more heartbreaking, Caden leaves behind a twin brother, as well as three additional siblings who are now facing grief no family should ever have to endure."
The Sorrell family has since created a GoFundMe to help cover the "avalanche of unexpected expenses" following Caden's death.
The fundraiser has already collected nearly $40,000 toward its $50,000 goal.
Family, friends and members of the community will gather for a vigil in Caden's memory on Wednesday night at Northwest Guilford High School.
