Oswego East High School (Photo courtesy of Oswego Dist. 308)

The Kane County Coroner’s office said no foul play was suspected in the death of a 16-year-old Oswego East High School who collapsed after playing basketball during gym classes on March 17.

According to a statement from the coroner’s office, the coroner was contacted around 1:30 p.m. that afternoon by Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora where Darion Verner, of Montgomery, had been pronounced dead.

The release stated that Verner had collapsed in the school’s locker room after playing basketball and was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

“According to witnesses, the subject was merely playing basketball in gym class, went to the locker room at the conclusion of the class and then collapsed in the locker room for no apparent reason,” the coroner’s office said.

An autopsy conducted on March 20 showed no obvious signs of foul play. Verner’s preliminary cause of death was “pending the results of specialized forensic sample histology and toxicology.”

Toxicology and histology samples were obtained and sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis, the statement said.

The coroner’s office added that it is cooperating with the Oswego police department in their ongoing investigation of the incident.

Community Unit School District 308 Superintendent Dr. John Sparlin extended his sympathy to Verner’s friends and family in a statement following the student’s death.

“As a district family and community, we are all grieving the loss of this young life,” Sparlin said. “Darion will be remembered for his love of basketball, his love for playing the drums, as a son, as a big brother and as a friend to many. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family, friends, and our students.”

Sparlin said the school district’s team of counselors, including psychologists and social workers, as well as the Kendall County Crisis Team, will be at Oswego East High School and will be available to assist students, their families, and staff members throughout the next few weeks.

Should you or your child need further assistance, you may contact their counselor or the building principal.

“Please join me in keeping Darion’s family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” Sparlin said.

— Coroner says no foul play in Oswego East student’s death —