A Texas high school community is mourning the loss of 15-year-old Preston Malone III, a sophomore
at Lancaster Early College High School and member of the junior varsity football team.
On Monday, August 18, during practice, Preston told a coach he wasn’t feeling well. Staff noticed he wasn’t
sweating—a troubling sign in the extreme 104-degree heat. Following safety protocols, trainers quickly placed him in a cold tub and called 911.
Paramedics rushed him to the hospital, but despite initial hope, his condition worsened overnight. He passed away on Wednesday, August 20.
Superintendent A. Katrise Perera Simpson shared Preston’s last words: “Hey, I’m sorry I was unable
to finish the workout.” She said this reflected the hardworking, determined student he was.
Although practice had been moved indoors due to heat, the facility lacked air conditioning and relied
on fans and open garage doors for circulation. District officials emphasized that all UIL heat
safety protocols were followed, including hydration stations and certified trainers on-site.
Former coaches Mark Badger, Bryant Young, and Marcus Badger remembered Preston as resilient, hardworking, and full of determination.
“He wasn’t the biggest kid, so he always had to fight,” Coach Badger recalled. His passing leaves a lasting void in Lancaster, Texas, and beyond.