A 14-year-old student at Imani Christian Academy in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, died after collapsing during basketball practice on Tuesday evening, Nov. 18, 2025, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner.
Jaiquawn “Jai” Jay became unresponsive while taking a break during the training session around 7:30 p.m. Emergency responders transported him to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where he died later that night. Authorities have not released information regarding the cause of his collapse.
The ninth-grade student was remembered by his school community as a beloved member of the Imani Christian Academy family. The institution made counselors and support staff available to students and faculty members grieving the loss.
“Jaiquawn was loved by his fellow students, his teammates, Imani staff and brought joy to his family,” the school stated in a message posted on its Facebook page. “During this difficult time we ask our Imani Christian Academy community to keep the Jay family in their thoughts and prayers and to support one another with kindness and care.”
Head Basketball Coach Khayree Wilson paid tribute to the young athlete, describing the profound impact of the loss on the community.
The teenager was known as an honor student who excelled both academically and athletically. Born on March 31, 2011, he previously attended Sister Thea Bowman before enrolling at Imani Christian Academy. His athletic pursuits extended beyond basketball to include baseball, soccer and football, which he played for the Hornets in Wilkinsburg.
Jaiquawn was the youngest of four brothers, with siblings ages 35, 31, and 30. A GoFundMe campaign was created by his family to help cover expenses during this difficult period. The fundraiser highlighted his achievements and passions, noting that his favorite color was teal blue.
The sudden loss of such a young athlete has resonated throughout the Pittsburgh area, with multiple school communities expressing their condolences. Woodland Hills High School extended its sympathies to the Imani Christian Academy basketball program and the Jay family.
The school described the loss as immeasurable and emphasized the importance of community support during the mourning process. Youth sports represent a significant part of adolescent development, providing opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and personal growth. When incidents occur during athletic activities, they often prompt communities to come together in support of affected families.
Basketball practice sessions typically involve cardiovascular exercise, running drills, and team coordination activities. Medical emergencies during athletic participation, while rare, can occur without warning signs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that schools maintain emergency action plans and have trained personnel available during athletic activities.
Imani Christian Academy adjusted its Wednesday morning schedule following the incident to provide students and staff adequate time to process the loss. The availability of counseling services reflects standard crisis response protocols in educational settings, where trained professionals help students and faculty navigate grief and emotional distress.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Medical examiners determine cause and manner of death through examination and testing procedures, which can take several weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of each case.
Youth athletics programs across Pennsylvania serve thousands of students annually, providing structured physical activity and competitive opportunities. Coaches and school administrators work to maintain safe environments for student athletes while fostering skill development and sportsmanship.