Michigan Player Collapses, Dies After Making Game-Winning Shot

A basketball player in Michigan died Thursday after making a game-winning layup in overtime that clinched his team’s undefeated season.

Wes Leonard, a 16-year-old junior guard and the star player for Fennville High, made the shot and was running back up the court as seen in this TV report from WoodTV.com in Grand Rapids.

Leonard later fell as teammates and fans rushed the court, according to The Holland Sentinel. The basket gave Fennville a 57-55 victory at home over Bridgman. Leonard was declared dead about an hour later, news reports say.

“It’s tough to take in,” teammate Shane Bale told The Sentinel as Leonard was been taken by ambulance to a hospital. “It’s like somebody from your family, you know?”

Leonard scored 21 points in his final game and helped his team come back from a 14-point deficit, the newspaper said. Leonard also was quarterback of the football team.