‘Brain dead’ teen boxer passes away

MANILA, Philippines—The high school athlete who was declared “brain dead” after participating in a boxing match of the Department of Education has passed away, a television news report said Sunday.

Jonas Joshua Garcia, 16, was initially admitted at the Zambales Provincial Hospital but was transferred to the University of Santo Tomas Hospital last Thursday.

“DepEd is deeply saddened by the loss of Jonas Joshua Garcia. We may not fully know why sad things like this happen, however, we hope that it will help for the family of Jonas to know that in this time of sorrow, their extended DepEd family cares and that our thoughts and prayers shall always be with them forever,” Assistant Education Secretary Tonisito Umali said in a statement.

Garcia participated in an athletic meet in Region 3. He belonged to the Bulacan team, which is now calling  the DepEd superintendent in Central Luzon to abolish all contact sports in future athletic meets.

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