NANKIN — The Ashland-area community is coming to terms with the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Breanne McKean, who tragically passed away on Friday night after collapsing during pregame Homecoming festivities.
Breanne McKean, a senior Homecoming Queen candidate, lost her life on Friday night after collapsing on the football field during the pre-game celebrations ahead of the match between the Mounties and South Central.
The news of Breanne’s passing has deeply affected the community, prompting responses from the school’s sports teams, local businesses, and neighboring school districts.
During halftime, school officials were informed of Breanne’s passing. In response, Mapleton head coach Matt Stafford and South Central head coach Derek Fisher met with the referees and jointly decided to suspend the game, as reported earlier by Ashland Source.
Jenny Taylor, an investigator with the Ashland County Coroner’s Office, revealed on Saturday that Breanne’s body had been transported to Lucas County for an autopsy. However, the exact cause of her death remains undetermined, and further details were not disclosed.
Mapleton Local Schools made a somber announcement on Saturday morning through Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), stating that the Homecoming dance scheduled for Saturday night had been canceled. Later in the day, they shared a press release expressing their condolences and providing more information.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Mapleton Local School District announces the passing of Bre McKean, a senior at Mapleton High School, on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, due to a medical emergency during homecoming festivities prior to the football game,” the release stated.
The district extended its sympathies to the McKean family, friends, and the entire Mapleton community, emphasizing their thoughts and prayers. It was noted that the student body had been informed on Friday night, and Mapleton staff and grief counselors were on hand to support students immediately after the announcement.
Grief counselors will continue to be available for students on Monday, Oct. 2, when they return to school. The release mentioned that these counselors would be provided by community partners, including Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, the Ashland County Ministerial Association, and psi Associates.
As a result of this tragic event, all Mapleton athletic events have been canceled through Oct. 4. The release assured that additional information would be shared as it becomes available.
The Mapleton volleyball team also expressed their sorrow on Facebook, announcing the cancellation of a youth volleyball camp scheduled for Sunday, along with the team’s games for the week. They asked for prayers for the McKean family, their volleyball family, and the Mapleton community.
Various neighboring schools and organizations showed their support on social media, including Margaretta Athletics, Cloverleaf Colts Soccer, and Ontario Warriors Athletics, who all posted messages of condolence on X.
The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce also joined in with a photo post using the hashtags “Praying with Mapleton” and “Mapleton Strong” on Saturday.
The press release from Mapleton Local Schools expressed gratitude to the surrounding communities and districts for their support during this difficult time.
