'With Heavy Hearts' And 'Prayers' LI School District Announces Student's 'Honor Walk'

SELDEN, NY — Robert Bush, the 17-year-old student who collapsed on the football field Monday at Newfield High School, will be recognized with an honor walk on Friday night at Stony Brook University Hospital, where his organs are to be harvested for recipients, Middle Country School District officials said.

The teen collapsed just after 5 p.m., and a football coach began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, and then called 911, before he was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Bush, of Selden, had been bending over during conditioning drills when he suddenly lost consciousness, his brother, Steve Bush, told Newsday.

The outlet reported he had been declared brain dead.

In a note to parents Friday night, Schools Superintendent Roberta Gerold noted her update was not "what we had hoped it would be."

"With a very heavy heart, I must inform you that Robert Bush, the student who collapsed Monday at Newfield High School, passed away earlier today," read a message posted to the district's website. "We are heartbroken for Robert's family and friends, and all who were fortunate to have been touched by his boundless enthusiasm and love of life."

An honor walk will take place "in recognition of the Bush family's decision to donate his organs to help provide life-saving miracles for others in need," Gerold said.

Community members wishing to attend were asked to arrive at the hospital by 10 p.m.

Arrangements of future services and memorials will be provided at another time, Gerold said.

Counselors will be available at the high school Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for students, district staff members, or members "of our school district community who feels the need to talk through their feelings during this difficult time," according to Gerold.

"In closing, I would like to express once again, on behalf of the Middle Country Central School District Board of Education, and the entire Middle Country Central School District community, our heartfelt condolences to his family. We ask that you keep Robert and his family in your prayers," she wrote.

Bush had been outside for around four minutes during the school's intramural summer sports program when he collapsed, school district officials told parents in a letter on Monday night.

"District personnel immediately began administering emergency first aid until paramedics arrived," the letter read. "The student was then rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital."

"At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the student and the student’s family. The district will provide more information as it becomes available," the letter continued.

"We understand how difficult a message like this is to receive," the letter read, adding that counselors and support staff will be available at the school.

"We will provide an update with additional logistics as they are arranged," the letter concluded.

A school district spokesman declined to comment beyond the letter's contents.

Bush had been without proper blood and oxygen flow to his brain for at least 45 minutes and is now on life support, according to Newsday.

"There's no more brain function," Bush told the outlet, adding that the family is "dealing with the end right now."

Sixth Squad detectives are investigating the teen's collapse, according to police.