Expert talks about silent killer in wake of student’s death

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – The death of a 16-year old Baylor student athlete is shedding light on a silent killer that can strike without warning.

Sumner Smith was a member of the Baylor swim team who suffered from what has been described as a cardiac event. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition where he later died.

New 12 spoke to heart expert Dr. Leonard Hayes of Memorial Hospital. Hays was asked if it’s common for teenage athletes to die from heart problems while performing in sports.

"We know that it occurs in one to two per 100,000 high school athletes. Generally these are not preventable by screening, physical examinations or even by an electrocardiogram," Hayes said.

According to the doctor, the most common heart problem for young athletes is Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; a condition in which the heart muscles becomes too thick. The end result can be sudden cardiac death. Another heart condition that is know to cause death in young athletes is cardio anomalies; a condition in which blood vessels have defects.

"They can have different blockages. They can be abnormally routed. They can lead to events such as sudden death as well," Hayes said.

Swimmers like Smith compete at an intense level. News 12 asked if intensity can trigger cardiac events in young athletes.

"Generally not, the most common cause of events during athletic activity is heat stroke and dehydration," Hayes said.

That means every young athlete need to stay hydrated while competing in sports.

As for Smith, New 12 has learned the he tried out for other sports during his six year stint at Baylor. While in middle school, he was a part of the boys cross country team.