In the wake of a fall sports season that saw the on-field death of multiple high school football players across the country, a high school track athlete has also passed away after collapsing at practice. The Somerset (Ky.) High School student, Wes Phillippe, died last Tuesday after collapsing at Monday evening’s practice.
An autopsy for the 15-year-old is still to come, but the Phillippe family to WKYT that he, “had a cardiac event.”
Somerset Independent Schools superintendent Kyle Lively released a statement following the tragic death. “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends during this difficult time. As a school community, we stand together to support each other and honor the memory of a student who will always be a part of the Somerset family.”
Phillippe’s event was the 5k, and he was also on the wrestling team for Somerset High School.
Related: HS Football Player Collapses, Dies During First Practice of the Season
Back in 2023, another Kentucky high school athlete died while practicing on school property. According to Kentucky Today, that incident, now combined with Phillippe’s death, is the inspiration behind a house bill that would, “make a state investigation mandatory following a death on school property or a school-sanctioned event.”
There is currently no law in Kentucky mandating investigations into the school system when a death like this occurs on school property. According to Murray Ledger and Times, the house bill is co-sponsored by Shane Baker, of Somerset, and Kim Moser. Despite being filed in 2025, the bill may not be heard in a legislative session until 2026.
Findings from an autopsy have not yet been released, but the family and school officials confirmed with multiple news outlets that more information will be made public as it becomes available.
