17-year-old dies after going into cardiac arrest, school says. ‘How is this happening?’

A 17-year-old known by teachers as being “full of joy” died at a hospital after he went into cardiac arrest at his Ohio school, officials say.

Blaze Jacobs, a junior at Western Brown High School in Mt. Orab, died on Monday, Jan. 9, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, school principal Heather Cooper said in a letter to parents.

“He didn’t make it. And me and my mom just burst into tears,” childhood friend Raven Woods told WLWT. “I was, like, ’this is so unreal. He was 17 years old. How is this happening right now?’”

Loved ones said in a GoFundMe that the high schooler received CPR for more than an hour before he died. WKRC reported that Blaze had a known heart condition.

Blaze was known for his love of sports, especially those at his school.

“We lost our #1 fan Blaze Jacobs,” Western Brown football coach Nick Osborne said. “Blaze loved his Broncos football and loved to be around the ‘boys.’ He was always the highlight of the day and was a sports fanatic!”

“Blaze, you were full of joy and one of those kids you just love to pieces,” added Julie Dye, one of his teachers. “You were my comedic relief of the day and brought a smile to everyone’s faces with all of your jokes and pranks. You were a friend to all of your classmates.”

Others remembered him for his “positive spirit” and his love for school, WLWT reported.

Funeral services for Blaze will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Cahall Funeral Home in Mt. Orab, according to an obituary. Mourners are asked to wear their favorite sports attire, in Blaze’s honor.

This story was originally published January 11, 2023 at 8:40 AM with the headline "17-year-old dies after going into cardiac arrest, school says. ‘How is this happening?’."