Rossview High School student-athlete dies after medical emergency

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - A Rossview High School student-athlete died Friday night after suffering a medical emergency.

Rossview High School officials told News 2 Cameryn "Cam" Ward died while playing basketball with friends and teammates when he suffered a medical emergency and died.

News 2 was at the vigil and got the chance to speak to Cam's mother and teammates on the kind of person he was both on and off the court.

"As much as he played offense, he played defense. He didn't believe in cheating the game; he gave it his all. Whether he won or lost, he gave it his all...his smile would light up the room. He didn't mean a stranger. He always believed in love; he always believed in showing his light; he always believed in him," Cam's mother, Jessica Ward, said.

"We had a couple of songs we used to be singing like before the games, like he'd sing a part and I'd sing a part so it's kind of like...it's rough. I lost the LeBron to my (Dwyane) Wade," Cam's teammate, Jacob Edwards, added.

RHS Principal Dr. Meghen Sanders sent News 2 the following statement that was sent to RHS faculty and staff members:

Good afternoon, RHS Faculty and Staff,

It is with the heaviest of heart that I share with you the news that Senior Cam Ward passed away Friday night. Cam was playing basketball with friends and teammates, and a medical emergency ended his life so unexpectedly. Cam was full of light and joy and was such a positive presence in our classrooms, on the court, and in our school community. I will miss his weekly visits when he would sneak up to the main office to get his favorite candy bar, Twix, from Mrs. Fields as she gave him a pre-game pep talk and then brought him back to me for some additional encouragement to play his best and DUNK more! 😊 We will miss seeing him in the hallways, with his teammates, talking basketball and re-hashing who did what on the floor. He was and is an absolutely amazing young man who has a special place in so many hearts. He will be truly missed but will always be remembered – especially in the echoes of basketball games in our gymnasium and in the laughter of our hallways.

We want to wrap our arms around his mother, Jessica Ward, his teammates, Coach Jackson, and our assistant basketball coaches. The RHS Basketball Team will host a candlelight vigil tonight at 8 PM at the front of our school. On Monday, we will provide the following support for our students, faculty and staff:

• For faculty and staff, we will meet at 7 AM on Monday in the library for reflection and encouragement. This meeting is optional and will give us a space to come together and connect before we begin our day of supporting our students and each other.
• Students and faculty and staff who need support should come to the library, which will have counselors and social workers ready to assist. They will be available all day to support our campus. If you need someone to supervise a class so that you can step out to the library, please contact the main office so we can send a sub.
• Our counselors will also be present throughout the building- guidance, library, Cam’s classes, hallways, etc. to support those in need.

Dr. Meghen Sanders, principal of Rossview High School

A GoFundMe has been created to help with medical bills and funeral arrangements.