High-School Runner From Ohio Dies From Injuries After Cross-Country Race

Owen Grubb, a high-school junior from Ohio, died on Saturday due to injuries he sustained following a cross-country race at a district meet, according to reports.

Grubb, of Minerva High School, finished 10th overall in Saturday's race with a time of 17:26.05 and helped lead his team to victory.

The Cambridge police officers said that no foul play is suspected, and Grubb's death is considered a tragic accident.

The incident occurred on a walking trail across from the school campus where there is a footbridge that crosses a creek, according to a Repository report.

Captain Dave Peoples of the Cambridge police said four Minerva runners, one of which was Grubb, had a tradition that involved throwing a log into the creek.

However, the group was unable to find a log so attempted to push a large decaying tree down into the creek.

"It fell in a direction that we think they didn't expect," he said. Peoples added Grubb tried but he could not escape the tree. The tree struck Grubb in the head, and no charges are expected.

Since the announcement of his passing, condolences have been offered to his friends, families and team-mates.

"We are all grieving the loss of Owen, who was a bright light in our high school and an exceptional student-athlete," Minerva local superintendent Gary Chaddock said.

He added: "We are keeping our entire school community close to our hearts during this time."

Following the announcement, the East Canton Highschool Twitter page wrote that there would be a gesture of support.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Minerva community during this time. East Canton students and staff will wear red tomorrow in support of our friends in Minerva," a Twitter caption read.

A former coach at Caldwell High School and the OHSAA Eastern District Cross Country and Track and Field President Dugan Hill also spoke on the incident.

"The Eastern District Track and Cross Country Coaches extend their heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the entire Minerva cross-country family following the tragic accident that occurred at the District cross country meet yesterday," it read.

"This is unbelievable and turned what should have been a day of joy into a tragic loss for the family, as well as the entire community."

Minerva High School head coach Oliva Scott fought back tears as she discussed the incident, according to a Repository report.

"He's a great kid and a great teammate," Scott said, while struggling not to cry.

"Our girls and boys, our team. They're brothers and sisters. The girls team is just as devastated as the boys team. Telling them last night is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life."

Speaking about Grubb's personality, she said he had a big positive impact on the team.

"He's always so positive and has fun. He never really gets himself worked up.

"He has this funny charisma about him. When he says my name, it's just like 'Yo, Coach.' I'm just so sad I'm never going to hear that again," Scott said.

The district is also providing mental-health support for those who require it following the death of Grubb.