Report: Shawnee Mission Northwest student died of heat stroke complications

SHAWNEE, Kan. (KCTV) - A Shawnee Mission Northwest student died of complications from heat stroke, according to a report released by the Johnson County Medical Office.

Ovet Gomez Regalado, 15, suffered a “medical incident” at an off-season workout in mid-August. Emergency crews rushed the teenager to a nearby hospital where he later died.

The newly-released autopsy report reveals the heat index made it feel like 112 degrees outside, and a heat advisory was issued that afternoon.

It also shows his body temperature was 104.6 degrees when it was originally taken, even after cooling procedures had already begun. Emergency crews used several rounds of ice buckets to lower his temperature to 102 degrees before they transported Ovet to the hospital.

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The report states Ovet practiced about 15 minutes before he collapsed as he walked to a building.

“Staff noted he was pale and diaphoretic and asking for water,” the report states.

The conclusion of the autopsy report reads:

KCTV5 has reached out to Shawnee Mission Schools for a comment.

The district previously revealed Ovet’s death is under investigation. The Shawnee Police department also opened an investigation, but is now closed, according to the report.

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A GoFundMe set up to benefit Ovet’s family raised more than $33,000.

Artificial Turf

KCTV5 confirmed the field where Ovet practiced has artificial turf.

On a warm sunny day, turf can be 50-70 degrees hotter than natural grass according to the University of Missouri Turfgrass Research Center.

Researchers note conditions can vary. Cloud cover and wind also helps lower temperatures.

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However, on a clear sunny day with light winds and air temperatures of 98 degrees, the researchers say:

• Synthetic field would exceed 160 degrees
• Natural field would be 99 degrees to 102 degrees

Numerous schools across the KC Metro area have turf fields.

Research into turf and heat

The research into heat and artificial turf is well-known and documented going back to 2002.

Brigham Young University’s original research is commonly referenced in all current studies.

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The research was meticulous and looked at soil temperatures and air temperatures at numerous levels. Scientists documented wind and cloud cover.

On a June 2002 day, the surface temperature on a natural field swung from 78.19 to 88.5 F, in that research study.

But the synthetic surface temperature went from 117.04 to 156 F.

Researchers note on a hot October day, artificial turf reached 200 F.

They refer to their results as “shocking.”

Newer research looked at infill for natural turf- improvements the manufactures promised would lower temperatures.

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Penn State’s turf program documented temperatures that top 170 F on a 79 degree day. Their academic paper concludes:

Turf in the pros

Both the Kansas City Royals and the Chiefs played on AstroTurf in the past. Those fields were removed long ago.

In the NFL, there’s currently a 50-50 split between artificial and natural grass. Much of the debate swirls around injuries. Players suspect an increase in injuries and that turf can cause more stress leading to more sprains and strains.

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At least five major league baseball teams have artificial turf. Those choosing turf point to lower maintenance costs and a consistent field for players. Turf drains faster. An advantage in a wet climate. Most turf ballparks have domes or retractable roofs. A newly planned synthetic ballpark in Oakland will have a water cooling system.

Those with turf acknowledge the “heat island effect.” Turf is simply hotter on warm sunny days.

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