Private School Student Lucas Osuna, 15, Dies During Water Polo Tournament — Details

In addition to recently released details concerning the death of 15-year-old Lucas Osuna, his father, school, and his water polo team have dedicated tributes online in his honor.

A tragic incident struck the South Florida athletic community after a Belen Jesuit Preparatory School sophomore, Lucas Osuna, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 28, 2025, during a water polo event. He was 15 years old.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Belen Jesuit around 3 p.m., as the school mourned the sudden loss of the young athlete during the Ransom Everglades Invitational — an annual tournament known to draw top-tier high school water polo teams from across the state.

While the exact circumstances surrounding Lucas' death initially remained unclear, school officials had indicated that further details would be provided in the coming days.

In a solemn statement, the school described Lucas as an "outstanding student" who was deeply admired and had left a meaningful impact on those around him since joining the institution in the sixth grade.

"It is with great sorrow and regret that we confirm the unexpected death of one of our beloved students," the school expressed.

They continued, "During this moment of unimaginable grief, we ask the community for your prayers. We ask for privacy for his family during this time and most of all prayers for the repose of his soul and comfort to those he loved and loved him."

Lucas was an active member of the school's water polo team and had been participating in the regular-season invitational at the time of his passing. At the time of the initial release of reports concerning his demise, authorities had not yet confirmed how the incident occurred. However, since then, new details have emerged.

On Monday, March 31, 2025, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez confirmed that Lucas' unexpected death was the result of a heart condition. Speaking with NBC6, the mayor revealed that the teen suffered a fatal cardiovascular episode shortly after competing in the meet against Ransom Everglades.

Lucas was in the cool-down pool when his aorta reportedly malfunctioned to a critical degree, leaving medical staff unable to save him. According to Francis, the condition had not been detected prior to the incident and was even unknown to Lucas' family.

"Obviously they're devastated by this tragedy, but at the same time they're also overwhelmed by the messages of support [...] It's a parent's worst nightmare, but they are people of faith and they are rallying around each other to process this the best way that they can," the mayor divulged.

Francis, who shared that he is close friends with Lucas' father, Mike Osuna, also extended his condolences on Instagram over the weekend.

The Tamiami school first confirmed Lucas' death on Friday, calling it "unexpected" and describing the situation as one of "unimaginable grief."

A prayer service was held on Saturday at Belen Jesuit, where classmates, faculty, and community members gathered to honor the teen's life. Students remembered him not only as a teammate and peer but as someone who left a lasting impression.

"You're going to school with that kid one day and the next, he's not here," said fellow student Justin Otero, echoing a sentiment of disbelief shared by many. Senior Jose Ballesteros dubbed the campus atmosphere as "very quiet, definitely very somber," noting how the tragedy served as a sobering reminder that life's fragility extends even to the young.

Gabriel Cacchione, another student, added, "I would say a piece of Belen is missing, everyone's a little down right now, the teachers are sad, we're all sad, we're all praying for the kid, though."

Taking to Facebook on March 30, Lucas' dad, Mike, shared a heartfelt tribute, mourning the passing of his beloved son and honoring the strength and spirit that defined him.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the unfathomable loss of our beloved son, Lucas Michael Osuna aka Thor. In true Superhero fashion, he embodied perseverance, determination and overcoming all the obstacles life threw his way," Mike wrote.

He went on to shine a spotlight on an organization called 8Nation, which has shown compassion and love to the Osuna family. Mike concluded with a touching reminder, "We ask that you take a moment to hug your loved ones a little tighter and keep us in your thoughts.🤍."

Within the tribute, the bereaved father included a link to a Meal Train fundraising page, a community-driven effort aimed at supporting the Osuna family with breakfast, lunch, and dinner during this painful time.

The tribute was also accompanied by a collage of emotional and intimate photos, capturing moments from Lucas' life. In one image, he stands proudly with his family — smiling next to his parents and siblings.

Another photo shows a warm embrace between Lucas and a loved one in a kitchen. A candid group shot captures Lucas beaming among friends, while in a different frame, he playfully flexes his muscles in a pool. The last photo features a quiet moment with his dad during a community gathering.

Together, the words and photos tell a story of a young man deeply cherished by his family and community — remembered not just for his athleticism but for the love, strength, and light he brought into the lives of so many.

Like his dad, Lucas' school also shared a dedication on Facebook. They posted a visual tribute honoring his memory and the profound impact he had on the school community. The touching photo compilation captures a range of heartfelt gestures made by students, faculty, and teammates.

One image shows a digital screen with a powerful message — "Standing With Belen Honoring Lucas Osuna," lit up in support. Meanwhile, a wall adorned with memorial trinkets and a nearby banner reflects the somber atmosphere on campus.

Elsewhere, a sports helmet, marked with Lucas' jersey number (19), is displayed as a symbol of his athletic legacy. A young student's handwritten letter addressed to God, complete with angel wings and a heartfelt prayer, highlights the deep emotional connection even the youngest students felt for him.

Together, these images serve as a powerful reminder of the unity, love, and grief shared by the Belen Jesuit community — a school family visibly heartbroken, yet standing together in honor of a young life gone too soon.

In a deeply emotional tribute, Lucas' water polo team, the Whitecaps Water Polo Club, honored the memory of their beloved teammate through a touching Instagram carousel post filled with moments that captured his passion, spirit, and camaraderie.

The post features a collection of candid and powerful images — Lucas in action during games, smiling poolside with teammates, and sharing moments of joy that reflected his vibrant presence within the team. Each photo stood as a reminder of the strength, determination, and heart he brought to the sport and those around him.

Accompanying the post was a heartfelt caption written with raw emotion and love. "Lucas Osuna, you will forever be in our hearts. We are going to miss you. An amazing, smart, kind hearted [sic], and hilarious person. Prayers for you and your family. We will never forget you. Our team will not be the same without you. We love you!" read the message.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Mike, Lucas' other family members, loved ones, friends, school and teammates, and everyone mourning this devastating loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Lucas.