Tribute held at Fresno High for 14-year-old student who died after collapse

The family of Daniel Padilla Jr. gathered in grief outside Fresno High School on Thursday afternoon to honor the 14-year-old freshman, sharing tears, prayers and memories more than two weeks after his death.

Under sunny skies, relatives stood on the front steps of the campus where Padilla collapsed during a physical education class on March 9. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died.

“I never imagined being without my little brother,” said his older sister, Hailey Valdovinos.

RELATED: 14-year-old Fresno High School student who died after passing out during class identified

A family member, Jose Mariscal, remembered Padilla as a young teen just beginning his life.

“He was just a kid starting high school, beginning his life to becoming an adult,” Mariscal said.

A recorded 911 call captured the urgency of the response that day.

“Can you put me on a medical call at Fresno High School? I need EMS code 3 for a juvenile that’s unconscious in the south gym. Scene secure, have them roll in,” a dispatcher said in a recorded call.

First responders transported Padilla to a hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he died. Mariscal said the news was difficult to accept.

“I didn’t want to believe it. I just thought it was a dream. I wanted it to be a dream, but then it wasn’t,” he said.

Padilla’s mother, Kenia Ruiz, said the family is still searching for clarity about what happened.

“We still don’t know exactly what happened. We’re searching for answers, but we don’t know yet,” Ruiz said.

She said their final conversation took place during the drive to school earlier that day.

“We were talking about his cousin’s quinceañera in May. He was so excited,” Ruiz said.

Standing before the school, Ruiz shared a message for other parents.

“Hug your kids; love them and let them know that they are cared for,” she said.

The family sharing a moment of prayer, thanking God for the years they had with the son, brother, and friend they called Danny.

“…For the moments that we had with him, for the memories that will never go away,” a family member said during the prayer.

Another relative added, “He’s in Heaven with God.”

As they mourn, the family is making arrangements for Padilla’s burial and memorial services. If you;d like to donate to help with those expenses, click here.

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