BOURBON - The students in Triton High School Class of 2013 entered a new chapter of their lives Tuesday, but one student's story came to a close.
Upon entering Triton High School for their first day of school, the Triton freshmen first had a meeting in the auditorium for the passing of their classmate, 14-year-old Jacob Berger.During Monday's football practice, it was reported Berger took an awkward hit, which was initially believed to have contributed to his death. After going to bed, his parents checked on him early in the morning, when they found he was unresponsive.
Following an autopsy, it was revealed Berger's death wasn't caused by the hit, instead it was of natural causes.
"His parents came in before 2 (p.m.) and had the autopsy results," Triton School Corporation Superintendent Carl Hilling said. "It showed the death wasn't football-related, but was natural causes. He had an aneurysm at the base of his skull. It could have broken at anytime. He could have been walking down the street or watching television."
Triton Athletic Director Mason McIntyre said, "Jacob was an outstanding young man who always had a positive attitude. He worked hard and showed promise to become a great football player and wrestler. Jacob will be missed, but will not be forgotten."
The football team will dedicate the season to Jacob and will wear his No. 56 on their helmets. His jersey will be on the sidelines this season to honor and remember his dedication to the team, McIntyre said.
According to www.brainaneurysm.com, "Brain anuerysms are often discovered when they rupture, causing bleeding into the brain or the space closely surrounding the brain called the subarchanoid space, causing a subarchanoid hemorrhage. Subarachanoid hemorrhage from a ruptured brain aneursym can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage and death."
Hilling said Berger's parents spoke with the football player that had hit Jacob during practice.
"Our hearts go out to the Berger family," Hilling said. "His parents did stop in the school and talked to the boy who had hit him. They just wanted to let him know it wasn't his fault."
Along with meeting with the freshmen class, the football team was also in the auditorium Tuesday, while other students were given the tragic news by teachers.
"We have counsellors available, as well as the school nurse," Hilling said about support for grieving students.
Viewing will be Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Bourbon Bible Church at 2002 12th Road in Bourbon.
Funeral services will also be the Bourbon Bible Church at 1:30 p.m. Friday, with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bourbon.
