By Michael V. Cusenza
A borough high school basketball player collapsed during practice on Wednesday and died at a Flushing hospital, according to police and published reports.
John Bowne High School student Lenny Pierre, 16, was practicing with the team at the school’s gym in Kew Gardens Hills the day after Christmas when he collapsed on the court around 1:30 p.m. He was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens where he was pronounced dead.
Lenny’s family has insisted that the teen had no prior medical issues or conditions.
“My son’s gone too soon. I truly will miss my son forever. That’s a big hole in my heart,” his grief-stricken mom, Edna Georges, told the New York Daily News. “That’s my first born. Even if I have another son, it’ll never be Lenny, my sweetheart, my sweet son. I don’t know how. Healthy, young, talented.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was “heartbroken” after being informed of Lenny’s passing.
“As a parent, and as a father of student athletes, I can only imagine the pain and sorrow being felt by Lenny’s family, loved ones and classmates. On behalf of 8.6 million New Yorkers, I extend our deepest condolences. We will be with this family now and in the future as we mourn the loss of one of our city’s children,” de Blasio added.
City Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said the Department of Education will “provide additional guidance counselors and support to this school community for as long as it is needed, and we are working with NYPD and agency partners as they conduct a thorough investigation.”
As of press time, the cause of Lenny Pierre’s death was not known.
