KATHARINE SCHROEDER FILE PHOTO | Ronan Guyer, center, a Southold cross country runner who went to this weekend’s state meet in western New York, died five days after going into cardiac arrest at practice.
The Southold High freshman who suffered cardiac arrest at a practice for the state cross country championships died Wednesday, his family said. He was 14.
Ronan Guyer had been in a coma and on a ventilator since Friday.
“It is with great sadness that we regrettably have to announce that our son, Ronan passed away this evening,” his parents, Stephen and Lisa Guyer said in an emailed statment Wednesday night. “We are grateful for all the prayers and thoughts sent our way.”
Ronan suffered his injury while slipping on a patch of mud and hitting his chest on the ground, his family said. The impact was believed to have caused cardiac arrest.
He had no known heart condition, his family said.
The Guyers, including sister Shannon, who was also in Elma training for the state meet at the time of the incident, were at Ronan’s side in a Buffalo hospital all week, aunt Lisa Plaia said.
Ms. Guyer has been keeping friends and family up to date on Ronan’s condition via Facebook.
In her first post about her son’s condition, she asked for prayers from the community, saying “Ronan is fighting for his life and we need a miracle.”
“Everyone’s prayers and support have been overwhelming,” Ms. Plaia said. “The outpouring has not been unnoticed.
“We’re a family of faith and we’re really appreciative of everyone keeping Ronan in their thoughts.”
In a statement issued Wednesday night Southold School superintendent David Gamberg said, “This is such a painful time for the family and friends of Ronan and his family. The the board of education, students and staff wish to express their deepest sympathies to all who have been close to Ronan and his family.
“Ronan was extremely well liked and respected. He was a very giving young man involved in Scouts and ROTC. The students and staff are heartbroken and express their deepest sympathies.”
Ronan is also survived by his younger brother, Colin. A full obituary and arrangements will appear when available.