Booker T. Washington football player collapses and dies

(9/19/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Students at a northwest Houston high school are mourning the loss of one of their own after his sudden death on the school's track.

Students at Booker T. Washington High School will officially receive the sad news Tuesday morning when they arrive for classes. The teen is described as someone with a big heart. Christopher Pichon, 14, is known for his charitable work. Pichon was part of an Eyewitness News story a few days ago, helping out The Bread of Life Homeless Center near downtown. The boy worked with the Knights of Saint Peter Claver Organization doing charity work.

Pichon was at football practice Monday afternoon. Officials say he was walking on the track at the Booker T. Washington football field when he just collapsed. The teen was rushed to Memorial Hermann NW Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The sophomore played on the junior varsity squad. He was in the midst of a light workout when he apparently collapsed. The players were apparently running two miles without pads or helmets.

"All I saw were students running and everybody crying," said student Taja Ashaka. "All of this, when we see something like this we just get quiet and pray. There's nothing else we can do but pray."

The medical examiner and HISD are both looking into Pichon's death. He will undergo an autopsy. No word as to when the results will be released.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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