Esperanza High student-athlete Morgan Wilson died Wednesday, eight days after suffering cardiac arrest while warming up at the Anaheim Tennis Center, her parents said in a statement through UC Irvine Medical Center.
Wilson, 17, was a varsity tennis and track and field athlete who collapsed July 8. She was revived before being taken to UCI, where she was put in a medically induced coma in critical condition.
“This afternoon, Morgan’s body decided it was time to go,” Wilson’s parents, Scott and Debbie, said in the statement. “We want to thank everyone for their prayers. The outpouring of support from strangers and those who knew and loved Morgan is overwhelming.
“Morgan was a strong and passionate girl who loved life. She was positive and a role model for others. She pushed everyone to reach their goals. Morgan never compromised her morals to be part of the crowd.”
On Monday, doctors and Wilson’s family decided to run tests on her organs to see if they could be donated. She was later taken off of all life support except for oxygen, which was keeping her organs alive, Aztecs sprint coach Gary Moore said in an email.
Wilson would have been a senior this fall at Esperanza. As a junior, she was the captain of the girls tennis team. On the track and field team, she participated in events such as the 100 meters, the hurdles and the long jump.
As of late last week, family members were unsure why Wilson collapsed.
“There’s nothing abnormal,” Wilson’s father told KCBS. “Nothing that clued us into this growing up. Nothing.”
Morgan Wilson started playing tennis at the age of 6 and had left a family vacation early to attend a tennis camp last week.
On Thursday, Esperanza held a prayer meeting for Wilson: Several hundred people showed up at the school’s tennis courts.
In their statement, the Wilsons thanked supporters for their prayers and urged others to learn CPR.
“The outpouring of support from strangers and those who knew and loved Morgan is overwhelming,” they said. “No family should have to go through the loss of a child. We believe that Morgan’s life could have been saved had CPR been administered in a timely fashion.”
Morgan Wilson had registered to be an organ donor, her parents said, and the family is working with a non-profit to donate her organs.
Wilson’s friends took to Twitter on Wednesday to remember her, console her family and each other.
“… my friend Morgan Wilson has just passed away from a heart attack. RIP to one hell of a beautiful soul,” @will_walkerrr Tweeted.
“rest in peace Morgan Wilson. You were one of the most amazing people I knew. You will be so missed,” @juuliawalling Tweeted.
“please just remember her with that big smile on her face and those blue eyes sparkling. just remember all of the wonderful things about her,” @jordanmorenno Tweeted.
“Morgan, I’m sorry it had to end that way, but you are in a better place now.” @Will_Truong75 Tweeted.
“Gonna make you proud with everything I do now Morgan, I promise,” @michaeraree Tweeted.
“rest in peace morgan, thank you for always encouraging me & for being such a great friend to me, love you forever,” @karlieflood97 Tweeted.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
Here is the complete statement from Scott and Debbie Wilson:
“This afternoon Morgan’s body decided it was time to go. We want to thank everyone for their prayers. The outpouring of support from strangers and those who knew and loved Morgan is overwhelming.
“Morgan was a strong and passionate girl who loved life. She was positive and a role model for others. She pushed everyone to reach their goals. Morgan never compromised her morals to be part of the crowd.
“Without any of us knowing, Morgan had registered to be an organ donor. Like so many things in her life, this reminds us what a generous and selfless soul she has. We are now working with OneLegacy to donate our daughter’s organs. Our hope is that they will save other people’s lives.
“No family should have to go through the loss of a child. The best way to honor Morgan is to learn and encourage others to learn CPR. We believe that Morgan’s life could have been saved had CPR been administered in a timely fashion.
“Parents should make sure that those entrusted with their children’s care know CPR and are prepared to administer it. Ask whether their schools and athletic facilities have automatic defibrillators on site. Please, do not be afraid to ask.”
