Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Sunday

11-Year-Old Collapses, Dies on Ball Field in Cleveland

Aired June 30, 2002 - 17:28   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: A mysterious death in Ohio. Medical examiners are trying to determine what caused an 11-year-old boy to collapse and die on a ball field in suburban Cleveland. Jason Malone was on deck waiting for his turn at bat when he suddenly dropped to the ground.

More on the story now from reporter Lydia Esparra of affiliate WKYC.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMIE SWAFIELD (ph): I was right over by the dugout.

LYDIA ESPARRA, WKYC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): From across the field, Jamie Swafield had a clear view.

SWAFIELD: I just saw him fall and he was puffing for air real hard.

ESPARRA: Jamie and all his teammates saw when 11-year-old Jason Malone collapsed near home plate here at Lou Groza Field (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jason went down. We thought he had passed out because of the heat.

ESPARRA: It was a hot day and many at the field believe the Berea Yankee may have had a heat stroke. But there would be no way to find out. Jason never woke up.

CAPT. JIM CLANCY, BEREA FIRE RESCUE: We never got very far with him as far as that goes. He just, there was very little response.

ESPARRA: And now a community response with flowers, a ball cap, remembering the All Star pitcher.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, we were worried. We loved Jason. He was a good kid.

ESPARRA: A good kid who many tried to save. Jamie and his friends helped in another way.

SWAFIELD: Coach took us over into the pavilion down by the playground and told us, you know, guys, just pray, pray for him. So that's what we did. (END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: That report from Lydia Esparra of CNN affiliate WKYC.

Jason's parents say he passed a complete physical two weeks ago. An autopsy was planned for today. Stay with CNN for more on that developing story.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com