SAN ANTONIO — As the community mourns the loss of Stevens High School junior Jaren Lawson, questions are being raised about medical preparedness and safety protocols during off-season athletic workouts.
Lawson collapsed during football practice earlier this week. The Bexar County Medical Examiner has not yet determined an official cause or manner of death, listing both as pending as the investigation continues.
RELATED: District investigates after Jaren Lawson collapses at workout as teammates continue drills
A fellow student who participated in the workout said players were taking part in routine off-season conditioning under head coach Anthony Boykin. The workout reportedly included “up-downs,” a high-intensity drill commonly used in football training.
According to the student, Lawson began to show signs of distress during the exercise.
“He’s getting slower his eyes are closing he’s stumbling around,” the student said, describing the moments before Lawson collapsed.
The student also said Lawson had recently been sick with flu-like symptoms. Lawson’s sister, Zamira Lawson, questioned why he was allowed to practice if he wasn’t feeling well.
RELATED: ‘I tried to help him’: Student describes moments before Stevens HS teammate’s collapse
“When I heard about him not feeling good, I was like why was he even at practice? ‘” she said. “I don’t understand how he was allowed to participate in practice, saying he doesn’t feel good.”
The student said Lawson spoke to a coach before collapsing, but was encouraged to continue the workout. He later lost consciousness while standing. Trainers responded and treated Lawson before he was transported by ambulance. The student said teammates were instructed to continue practicing during the emergency.
According to Northside ISD, early findings indicate there is no evidence that Lawson informed the coaching staff that he was unable to participate in practice. The district said interviews show coaches proactively reminded Lawson he could opt out of the workout because they were aware he had been ill the previous day.
The district also said the investigation found no evidence that Lawson was denied access to water during the session.
Regarding the emergency response, Northside ISD stated that at the first sign of physical distress, Lawson was immediately attended to by fellow students, coaching staff, and athletic trainers who intervened to provide medical assistance.
The district said it is committed to a transparent investigation and asked for the community’s patience as they work to verify all details.
The incident has prompted bigger conversations about medical emergency readiness during off-season conditioning, including how athletes are screened after illness, when workouts should be modified, and what protocols are in place when a player shows signs of distress.