Ronan Guyer, a Southold freshman, died Wednesday evening after suffering cardiac arrest and collapsing this past Friday during a warm-up before the New York State Public High School Athletic Association cross country championships in Elma.
Ed and Lisa Plaia made the announcement on behalf of Ronan’s parents Wednesday evening.
Ronan survived five days in a medically induced coma at the Womens and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo after being revived from cardiac arrest. The active student-athlete had been familiarizing himself with the cross country course before the race when he slipped on a patch of mud, hitting the ground very hard with his chest, Lisa Plaia said, adding that Ronan did not have any history of heart problems.
“Ronan played tennis, lacrosse, and he loved sailing. He was running cross country this year to stay in shape for sailing.”
“We are a family of faith, and we appreciate everyone’s prayers for Ronan,” Lisa Plaia told Patch earlier on Wednesday.
Funeral services will take place Monday and Tuesday at DeFriest Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck, with visiting hours from 4 to 8 p.m.
