By Mirna Alsharif - NBC News
A 17-year-old girl collapsed dead Friday on a football field at her high school in Ohio at homecoming parties shortly after being announced as a candidate for prom queen, according to Mapleton School District Superintendent Scott Smith.
Breanne McKean, a senior at Mapleton High School near Ashland, 60 miles from Cleveland, suffered a medical emergency, the school district said, giving no details.
"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and community of Mapleton," the school district said in a statement posted on Facebook.
The game was suspended at halftime and Saturday's homecoming ball, where the queen would have been chosen, was canceled, according to the school district, which also canceled all sporting events until Wednesday.
McKean was described by the school district as "fun, loving and always full of life." "To know Bre was to love her. He always made us feel included, he had a very positive and vibrant personality," he said in a statement.
McKean played volleyball, basketball and softball, according to school principal Corey Kline. "She was the kind of student who lived life to the fullest," she added, "she was a wonderful student, excited about the school spirit and her peers."
"His personality and smile would light up any room, he instantly became the soul of any meeting," Kline said.
The school district has started a fundraiser to help the family; and a memorial scholarship has been created in his honor. A funeral service will be held Saturday in Ashland.