Yreka runner dies after completing race in 107 degree heat

LIFE FLIGHT: A high school cross country runner from Yreka is taken aboard a medical helicopter after he collapsed at the finish line of a race Wednesday, Sept. 23, held at West Valley High School.

Sixteen-year-old Yreka High cross-country runner Chris Lopez died Saturday morning, Sept. 26, at Mercy Medical Center after collapsing Wednesday after a race. It is unknown if a reported virus-like illness Lopez may have been experiencing created complications with the run and the heat.

After finishing the three-mile run at a Northern Athletic League meet Sept. 23 at West Valley, Lopez collapsed on the football field. Bystanders tried to cool him down and emergency crews worked on him until a REACH medical helicopter arrived and flew him to Mercy.

According to the Record Searchlight, about 100 students attended a vigil held for Lopez Saturday evening at the Yreka High School gymnasium.

Temperatures in the area were above 100 degrees for a majority of the afternoon on the day of the race, according to www.weatherunderground.com, a service that reported the temperature between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 107 degrees.

Trained counselors and a school psychologist will be available to talk to students at Yreka High School, said Principal Mark Greenfield.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when treating someone with heat exhaustion, move them to a shady area; cool the person rapidly using whatever methods you can, such as sponging the person with cool water, putting them in a cool shower, or if the humidity is low, place a cool wet sheet around the body and fan the person. Monitor the body temperature until it reaches 101-102 degrees and get medical assistance as soon as possible.