Newport teen dies after feeling ill at soccer practice

A teenager’s death in Newport has left a family and community heartbroken.

Those who knew Yael “Santi” Felix-Trejo described him as a beloved son, brother, friend and teammate. They said he loved sports, music and “creating his own style in everything he did.”

The incoming Newport High School sophomore died Monday.

A massive heatwave this week in Oregon has posed severe health risks to residents across the state. But that is not believed to be the cause of death for the 15-year-old.

Yael felt ill at soccer practice. His parents and emergency personnel were notified and arrived at the field, district officials said. He was taken by ambulance to the Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport where he later died.

District officials noted to KGW that temperatures in Newport were mild for the soccer team’s evening practice and that air quality remained good. Family friends posted on social media that Yael died from “an undiagnosed medical condition.”

“Our school community is heartbroken for his family, friends and our entire community,” officials with the Lincoln County School District said in a written statement.

Community members have rallied to support Yael’s family. A GoFundMe account had raised nearly $18,000 by Thursday afternoon to help with funeral, burial and travel expenses to Mexico for Yael and his family. Organizers said the funds will also go toward household expenses and unforeseen costs.

Jessica Arnsdorf is a family friend and the head cheerleading coach at Newport High School. She helped set up the GoFundMe account. “No one should ever have to go through the pain of losing a child,” she wrote in a public Facebook post. “Breaks my heart.”

District officials said counselors were available earlier this week to support Newport High School students. According to the GoFundMe, a memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 20.