Peabody Wrestler's Death Spurs Push For Mandatory Student-Athlete Heart Testing

PEABODY, MA — The death of Peabody Veterans Memorial High wrestler Freddy Espinal during a workout from a previously undiagnosed heart condition has prompted North Shore state legislators and the Espinal family to push for "Freddy's Law," which would require all high school student-athletes across the state to undergo an electrocardiogram screening as part of their annual athletic physical.

State Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) and Espinal family members were among those who testified in favor of "An Act to Protect the Lives of Student Athletes" before the Joint Committee on Financial Services this week.

The sudden death of Espinal during a club wrestling practice last September, as well as the death of student-athlete JJ Facey of Taunton, prompted the push that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of the screenings.

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"I'm proud and motivated to champion this bill by the passion of the Espinals, Faceys, and families across our Commonwealth who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of their child in a very public way and have channeled their grief into action," Walsh said. "I believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and by making young athletes and their parents aware of previously unknown high-risk cardiovascular conditions, these young men and women can seek treatment and avoid tragedy on the playing field."

Espinal suffered what was called an acute medical emergency while working out with the Red Rock Wrestling Club in September 2024. A GoFundMe page set up to help the family during the tragedy raised nearly $56,000.

Last December, the Espinal Family announced the creation of a scholarship for PVMHS students pursuing a career in criminal justice.

"As Freddy's family, we carry his memory with us every day, and it is our deepest hope that no other family has to experience the pain we endure," said Adell Labonte, Freddy's mother. "Freddy’s law is more than legislation. It is a lifeline.

"By requiring EKG screenings for high school students, we are giving young people a chance to catch silent, life-threatening heart conditions before it’s too late. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has stood with us to turn our heartbreak into meaningful protection for our families. Freddy's legacy will live on through every life. This law helps save lives."

Walsh and State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) introduced the bill, with co-sponsorship from State Reps. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers), Kathleeen LaNatra (D-Kingston) and Lisa Field (D-Taunton).

The bill is modeled after Florida legislation sponsored by former professional football player and Florida State Senator Corey Simon, which was passed unanimously and was signed into law in the Sunshine State earlier this year.

Under the proposed law, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association will be responsible for developing the policies and procedures for this life-saving screening requirement.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)