After 13-year-old son’s death while playing football, mother organizing rapid response team

PITTSBURGH — Heartbroken over her 13-year-old son’s death of asthma while he was playing football, a Pittsburgh mother wants to make sure no other parent has to experience such a loss.

Laken Duckett’s son, Jordan Duckett, collapsed Aug. 14 while on the football field located along Chartiers Avenue in the city’s Windgap neighborhood. He was rushed to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where he died.

On Sunday, Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said Jordan died of severe asthma.

>>PREVIOUS STORY: Boy, 13, who collapsed during football practice in Pittsburgh died of asthma

Jordan’s mother, who works as a nurse’s aide, is now turning her pain into a passion to help others: she’s working to start a rapid medical response team made up of parents and medical professionals.

The team of nurses and doctors will monitor football practices and games, keeping a close watch on players.

Had a team like this existed in August, Laken Duckett believes her son would still be alive.

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“I don’t have time to really fall over and stay down. I have to continue because the children need this help,” Duckett said.

Duckett is organizing the response team through a Facebook page (CLICK HERE). She’s recruiting volunteers and working to raise funds. She can also be contacted at lakenduckett@yahoo.com.

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Boy, 13, who collapsed during football practice in Pittsburgh died of asthma Boy, 13, who collapsed during football practice in Pittsburgh died of asthma

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