A New Jersey family is reeling Tuesday after an 18-year-old teen with no previous health issues died unexpectedly on a playground Sunday night.
Anthony Dorrego, 18, was playing basketball with friends on Sunday in Gloucester Township, New Jersey when he collapsed, NJ Advance Media reported.
Dorrego’s friends later told his family that they noticed the teen had fallen down onto his hands and knees.
Initially, they believed he was joking, but as moments elapsed, they realized the situation was more serious.
The friends called for help and a bystander from across the street raced onto the court to perform CPR.
Soon after, an ambulance arrived and rushed Dorrego to Kennedy University Hospital in Stratford.
Anthony Dorrego, 18, was playing basketball with friends on Sunday in Gloucester Township, New Jersey when he collapsed
A medical official later revealed to the family that Dorrego was afflicted with a previously undiagnosed heart condition
Doctors there pronounced Dorrego dead.
A medical official later revealed to the family that Dorrego was afflicted with a previously undiagnosed heart condition.
Authorities have yet to announce the results of an autopsy.
‘This is definitely a tragic thing,’ his uncle, Jimmy Loftis, said.
Dorrego graduated high school this past June. For the past year, he was employed at a UPS shipping and receiving facility
‘He was healthy and he never complained of any issues.’
Dorrego recently graduated high school this past June.
For the past year, he was employed at a UPS shipping and receiving facility.
Dorrego was making preparations to work as a driver for the company.
Loftis said that his nephew was recently given a pay raise and that he had bought a new Nissan Maxima.
‘He was really proud,’ he said.
‘Anthony was a leader. A lot of his friends looked up to him,’ Loftis said.
‘He was very popular, he had that “cool guy” personality.’
Loftis said Dorrego spent most of his time with his girlfriend, who he had been dating for four years, his cousins, and his best friends.
An avid basketball fan, he collected Michael Jordan sneakers.
‘His passion was basketball. He played basketball almost every day with his friends,’ said Loftis.
Dorrego grew up in Blackwood, New Jersey. He was raised by his mother, Christine Dorrego; his grandfather, Floyd Dorrego Sr; and his grandfather’s wife, Kim Dorrego.
‘We’re all together right now… Still in shock,’ Loftis said.
‘We’re going to stay together, stay close and get through this together.’