Anoka high school student dies during pick-up basketball game
by Eric Hagen
Staff Writer
An Anoka High School junior collapsed and died Saturday evening, Nov. 26 while playing basketball at the Andover Community Center.
Kareen Hopkins
Kareen Hopkins, 16, had a pre-existing heart condition, according to what Hopkins’ family told the Anoka-Hennepin School District, said Brett Johnson, assistant director of communications for the district.
Lt. Paul Lenzmeier of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said emergency responders were called to the community center at 6:50 p.m. Nov. 26 on a report of a 16-year-old boy having a seizure.
Anoka High School Principal Michael Farley sent a phone message to parents and guardians on Monday to inform them that Hopkins passed away.
“Dealing with the loss of a loved one is very difficult,” Farley said. “I am asking parents and guardians to pay a little closer attention to your son or daughter during this sad time because difficult news like this can affect young people in different ways, even if they did not know Kareen. If you see things like abrupt changes in behavior such as wanting to be alone more than usual or loss of interest in things they like, please let us know about it.”
Johnson said counselors are available to talk with students.
Eric Hagen is at eric.hagen@ecm-inc.com
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