Martin Luther King High senior collapses, dies at hospital
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Updated:
By Taryn Asher Fox 2 News
DETROIT (WJBK) -- A student collapsed, then tragically passed away at the hospital. He was a senior at Martin Luther King High School in Detroit.
"He loved football," said Toron Murphy, Senior. "He said, 'Daddy, I'm going to make it to the pros.'"
His parents describe 17-year-old Toron Murphy, Junior as a strong, happy and healthy kid with a promising future. Tuesday morning was just like any other, but they never expected a conversation with their son before school would be their last.
"Fed the dog and then he went out to start up my car and get me into a warm car, and I got in the car and I drove him to school. I dropped him off in front of the school and pulled off, and soon after I pulled off they called me and said he never made it in the door," said Marcia Murphy, his mother.
Toron collapsed outside the school. Able to give his phone to a friend to call his mom, he was rushed to the hospital, but died a short time later.
"He was breathing, but he wasn't conscious, and everything went downhill when he got to the hospital," Toron Murphy, Senior said. "I'm going to miss my son."
His father proudly held the handmade poster they took to Ford Field to cheer on Toron and his fellow King Crusaders when they won the Detroit Public School League Championship last fall.
Students and especially his team members are taking it hard. A team of counselors was at the school to help them deal with this tragic loss.
"All of us went into shock, and then we went to the hospital," said principal Deborah Jenkins. "To see the grief, the level of pain was felt by anyone in the presence."
"Anytime something like that happens it's an unfortunate situation, but it has kind of strengthened us as a staff and as a school," said coach Barry Cannon.
The loss is especially hard for the Murphys. Toron was their youngest of four children and on his way to college. Life for them has forever changed.
We're told Toron died from apparent natural causes, but exactly what is unclear. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
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