Student Athlete Forrest Jones Clings Dies Of Heat Stroke

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. -- A relative of a local high school football player who collapsed on the field last week told Channel 2's Craig Lucie that the player has died.

Forest Jones had been hospitalized at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The family member told Lucie that Forrest Jones passed away at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

In an earlier interview, Forest's father, Glenn Jones, told Lucie that his son's kidneys and liver were failing.

They said they never saw this coming.

”I just don’t understand how it could happen to somebody so strong, said Glenn Jones.

He said his 16-year-old son never had any serious medical conditions before hitting the field as a center for the Locust Grove High School football team.

That changed as he walked toward the locker room last Monday.

”After practice, he got a drink of water and dumped it over his head and started walking up a grassy hill and when he did, he fell backwards and hit his head. Then he stood back up for a second and passed back out. He’s been lying in the hospital bed ever since, said Jones.

Jones said doctors told him "that it's heat-related. It's a heat stroke or heat exhaustion."

A heat stroke is when the body temperature rises drastically above 104 degrees.

Jones wants every high school student to listen to his message.

”When your body tells you you’re tired, you need to tell somebody. The kids need to tell their coaches or whatever: Hey there is something wrong with me, I need a break, said Jones.

The Joneses said their son received constant visits from players, coaches and the principal while he was at the hospital.

Wednesday’s football practice has been canceled in memory of Jones. Subsequent practice sessions will be held before school starts for the rest of the week. Loved ones have also created a Facebook page to honor Jones' memory.

A memorial service for Jones will be held at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church on Thursday from 6 p.m.-7 p.m