Lewis Simpkins stumbled during River Bluff’s practice before collapsing
Before collapsing in River Bluff High School’s locker room on Wednesday, Lewis Nathaniel Simpkins stumbled. Teammates helped him up.
The hulking 6-foot-2 defensive tackle had been recently promoted to the school’s varsity team and had spent the previous two hours and 15 minutes training.
The practice came the night after his team played a scrimmage Tuesday against Greenwood High School’s Eagles.
Though no score was kept of the game, River Bluff’s coaches concluded the defense needed to work more Wednesday on tackling, the district spokeswoman, Mary Beth Hill, said Friday. But when asked by The State newspaper, she said practice was no more strenuous than usual.
The 14-year-old sophomore made it through practice, but stumbled near the end. Lewis’ teammates helped him back up. The coach told him to relax and catch his breath, while the rest of the team continued “up-down” drills, Hill said.
Lewis walked off the field with two coaches and made it to the locker room, where he collapsed, Hill said. Coaches gave Lewis CPR and used a defibrillator on him.
He then was rushed to Lexington Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, said Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. His preliminary autopsy report came back as inconclusive. Additional tests are underway to determine what caused his death.
Simpkins’ parents have not been available for comment.
As of Friday, none of River Bluff’s coaches had been placed on leave in relation to Lewis’ death, Hill said. No changes had been made concerning practice.
“The RBHS coaches have reminded their players that if they ever feel bad, they should let a coach or trainer know immediately,” Hill said. “They have also reminded the players about the importance of drinking water when they are not with the team. They are reminded to drink water and sports drinks (during) the day before practice and after practice.”
She added that players can drink water during practice at any time. Also, before and during practice, trainers check the day’s temperature and constantly monitor proper protocols such as water intake and rest breaks.
River Bluff’s team skipped Friday’s Sportsarama out of respect for Lewis’ family, because they felt it was too soon, Hill said. The team was scheduled to meet, however, to support each other. They were expected to lift weights and have a light practice, she said.
Staff writer Matt Connolly contributed to this story. Reach Roldán at (803) 295-0435.
Family schedules visitation
A visitation for Lewis Simpkins will take place at the Lexington Chapel of Caughman-Harman Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Swinney comments on player’s death
As word continued to spread that Lewis Simpkins had dreamed of playing for Clemson University, Tigers football coach Dabo Swinney lamented the teen’s passing.
“I am told the young man hoped to come to Clemson some day and play football,” Swinney said. “We certainly feel for his family and have them in our thoughts and prayers.”
This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 7:13 PM with the headline "Lewis Simpkins stumbled during River Bluff’s practice before collapsing."