16-Year-Old High School Football Player Joshua Henderson Dies After Collapsing at Practice

What was supposed to be a routine summer football practice turned into a nightmare for the family of the 16-year-old, leaving a school, a community, and loved ones searching for answers.

A Tennessee family is mourning the tragic loss of 16-year-old Joshua Henderson. He was a high school football player who collapsed during football practice at Bolton High School in Arlington on July 6, 2025. He later died.

ABC News reported that his aunt, Kristen Henderson, disclosed that the teenager was hospitalized after he collapsed. A GoFundMe page created by his family further revealed that, "Josh transitioned 7/26 due to complications from organ failure caused by a severe heat stroke."

ABC News further reported that his mother had just dropped him off when she got a call saying he was unresponsive. By the time she returned, Joshua was already being rushed to the hospital.

His mother, Angel Henderson, later told WREG News Channel 3 that when she arrived at the school, her son was "in the back of the ambulance, lethargic, unconscious, and unable to breathe." The family added that while practice had been held in the morning, the heat was still intense.

Addressing the extreme heat that led to her nephew's collapse, Kristen told Action News 5, "If it's too hot, these children don't have to push themselves, don't make your child go. If we know that it's too hot, these children don't have to prove themselves to these coaches."

During Joshua's hospitalization, Angel posted a plea for prayers on social media. She said he had been battling a dangerously high fever and high blood pressure that wouldn’t go down, and asked for support, expressing faith in his strength.

Despite weeks of medical care, Joshua's condition declined. The family wrote on GoFundMe, "Josh was only 16 years old full of life, laughter, and promise. He was deeply loved by his parents, siblings, extended family, and all who knew him. His sudden loss has left our hearts shattered and our world forever changed [sic]."

"Joshua's life, though short, was meaningful and full of light. We want to honor him with the love, dignity, and peace he deserves," it continued. They also thanked those who supported them through his hospitalization.

Following the death of her nephew, Kristen reportedly told Action News 5 that she and her family wanted answers from leaders at Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) and Bolton High School.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools also released a statement mourning Joshua's death, and calling him "an exceptional athlete and dedicated scholar."

The district added, "His kindness, determination and positive spirit left a lasting impression on classmates, teachers and our entire BHS community. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and all those grieving this immense loss [sic]."

Joshua played as an offensive and defensive lineman for his high school. He was a respectful and hard-working teen who dreamt of a football scholarship and a future in engineering.

His athleticism had already drawn interest from college scouts. Joshua had also planned to attend the University of Florida on a football scholarship.

Kristen, in a FOX13 Memphis interview filmed before his death, further revealed that, "He's one of the most sweet, respectful 16-year-olds you would ever meet. He likes video games and stuffed animals. Like, that's not the typical 16-year-old today [sic],"

Set to begin his senior year this fall, his aunt added, "He will definitely not be starting school with his class that he's been with since middle school. So, this is hard."

Now, his family is asking for help covering funeral and burial expenses through the active fundraiser. "Any amount you feel led to give no matter how small will be a tremendous blessing during this difficult time [sic]," they wrote on the campaign. "If you're unable to give, please continue to share this link and keep our family in your prayers."

While he will be remembered not only for his promise on the field but for the joy, warmth, and kindness he brought into every room, his loved ones are left to face the painful reality of a life cut short and a desire for accountability.