The Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn., is in shock today, one day after 16-year-old Sumner Smith died during a swim practice Monday afternoon. The swim team member had a cardiac event, according to a report on television station WRCB.
Smith was taken to Erlanger Medical Center by ambulance when paramedics responded to a call of a near drowning. Details of what led to Smith’s cardiac event have not been released. The school informed the student body of Smith’s death Monday and have provided counselors for those in need of support.
Smith, who was a junior at Baylor, was a unique athlete. He was a swimmer and diver for Baylor, doing both disciplines at last February’s Tennessee high school state meet. Smith nearly cracked the top 10 in 1-meter diving at the meet, placing 11th.
In the hours after Smith’s death, the hashtag #SumnerStrong has trended on Twitter.
#sumnerstrong pic.twitter.com/e0Vmy3HPwT
— Baylor Swimming (@BaylorSwimming) October 6, 2015
#SumnerStrong pic.twitter.com/e7fmyVTjT6
— Trey Freeman (@tfreeman_3) October 6, 2015
My thoughts and Prayers are with the Smith family and Baylor community❤️ #sumnerstrong
— Kristen Vredeveld (@kvredeveld1) October 6, 2015
It's times like these that I am even more grateful for the Baylor family and how strong it truly is❤️ #sumnerstrong
— Katelyn Dempsey (@k_demps_) October 6, 2015
It's amazing the impact he had on all our lives #sumnerstrong pic.twitter.com/v1ajlG7zNL
— Alec Kadrie (@BigAlKadrie) October 6, 2015
Sumner was such a happy and positive person. Everyone smile and laugh today because that's what he would want us to do #sumnerstrong
— Niamh cahill (@ncahill98) October 6, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers from Victor Swim Club; our hearts go out to Daniel Flack, the Staff, Students & Teachers at Baylor
Very tragic. Heart goes out to his family and swim group
how horrible. Prayers for the family, friends and the club.
How very sad, thoughts with his family.
R.I P
the St. George’s swim team is sending prayers and thoughts to the Smith family and the Baylor swim team.
Prayers to the family… so very sad
So tragic. Prayers to all touched my this young man.
How very sad
Our condolences to the family..I have a son who is also in his junior years and a varsity swim team ..i know how his parents is feeling right now…
in behalf of Arellano University swim team
Philippines
again our condolences
So sad to hear this.
#SumnerStrong I am praying for peace for the family. As a new member to the Baylor family, I know he was surrounded by a strong school family that loved him dearly. Please know that your extended Baylor families from all over the world are praying for strength and peace for Sumner’s family.
Our Prayers always there for their family…RIP from India (Chennai)
#SumnerStrong On behalf of the Butler Sr High Swimming and Diving , Butler Pennsylvania – our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Tragic , so young and talented . RIP
So sad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, family, friends and team. God Bless.
The CWGA Swim Team are thinking of your team, students and his
Family. Our hearts go out to each of you. May you find peace.
Prayers from the swim community in Louisiana. So very sorry for your loss.