Heart Attack Caused Death Of Franklin Student, 14, In Gym Class

FRANKLIN, NJ — A heart attack was found to be the cause of 14-year-old Franklin High School freshman's sudden death, according to his mother Tracy Warren.

Dyllan Reign Burrell was playing lacrosse during gym class at the high school when he reportedly collapsed and was unresponsive while on the field at the high school at 9:10 a.m. on May 8.

CPR was performed by staff and he was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick by ambulance. He was pronounced at approximately 11:15 a.m.

"This was a lesson for my family always expect the unexpected," Warren wrote on a fundraising page for her son. "Dyllan was a healthy child and while playing lacrosse at school he fell to his death (heart attack). He showed no signs of sickness prior. I guess God was ready for him, but I was not ready for him to go."

The fundraising page had been set up to help cover "the mounting cost of his funeral service and memorial activities." A total of $44,488 has been raised exceeding the $15,000 goal.

"This is how I knew he was an angel: he brought so many of us together that day. Family that were not around as much gave the biggest hugs and friends came with love and support," Warren wrote. "I was truly blessed to have him in my life. The love and support we received from everyone was so overwhelming. This proved to me that God is love and nothing he does is without a cause. Please continue to pray for my family, so that we can heal. Because without your prayers I would not be standing, so I know prayers are going up."

Funeral services had been held last Friday and Saturday. (See Related: Funeral Services Set For Franklin Student Who Died In Gym Class)

The district is currently discussing ways to honor the Burrell's memory. (See Related: Franklin High School To Memorialize Student Who Died In Gym Class)

"We are talking as a learning community, considering what professionals would recommend as fitting to memorialize our Warrior while lifting the spirits of all and without causing more sadness," Franklin High School Principal Frank Chmiel said. "Our process also involves including the wishes of our student's family, wonderful people who are going through one of the most heartrending times imaginable."

More information about a memorial will be released by Chmiel at a later time.

(Image via Tracy Warren with permission: Dyllan Reign Burrell, 14, of Franklin.)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.