ROZEL — A Pawnee Heights High School student died Tuesday night after collapsing on the football field during practice earlier that day.

The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office Daily Bulletin notes that PCSO was called to assist Emergency Medical Service at the high school at 8:30 p.m.

Pawnee Heights USD 496 Principal Tina Vondracek confirmed that the student passed away Aug. 18.

“We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to all those who are hurting and are focused on providing support and care to our school district community,” Vondracek stated in an email.

“This week, we are focused on caring for our students, staff and community. We also are committed to protecting the privacy of our students and their families. For this reason, we will not be granting interviews or allowing any media crews on district property. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett confirmed that Pawnee County Sheriff Larry Atteberry contacted him around 9 p.m. The sheriff advised that Pawnee County EMS had responded to a Pawnee Heights football practice earlier in the evening due to a player collapsing, and that medical personnel had been unable to revive the young man at the scene.

“I did not know the young man personally, but know his parents,” McNett said. They are very active in the community and my heart breaks for them. The Rozel and Burdett communities which makeup the Pawnee Heights School District are extremely close-knit, and I know this loss will be felt deeply.”

More information will be released as it becomes available.