South Bay high school soccer standout dies of apparent heat-related illness, investigators say

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(The Thomas Family)

LOS ANGELES - Shane Thomas, an All-City soccer player at Palisades Charter High School, died Saturday at a park in Chino Hills while at a training session with his team for the upcoming season, it was reported Tuesday. He was 17.

In an email, Jimmy Nordberg, executive director of FC Golden State, said, "We are truly saddened by his loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was found after practice away from the field and we are all devastated here at the club," the Los Angeles Times reported.

(The Thomas Family)

Thomas' sister, Cheyenne, said Thomas left the field at Ayala Park to take some balls to his coach's car. When he did not return, teammates started a search. She said he was found unresponsive. Paramedics were called and CPR given but he could not be revived. His parents were at the park.

(The Thomas Family)

Temperatures reached a high of 111 at noon in Chino Hills in San Bernardino County on Saturday.

Gabriel Morales, supervising investigator with San Bernardino County Sheriff Coroners office, said Thomas collapsed about 12:15 p.m. He was taken by ambulance to Chino Valley Medical Center, where he died at 1:13 p.m.

Morales said investigators believe his death was likely heat-related but a final determination won't be known until an autopsy is concluded.

A GoFundMe has been created and his high school team will retire his jersey.