Hunter Palmer: Nebraska high school track athlete, 18, dies after collapsing during practice

2023-05-10 13:22

Hunter Palmer, 18, was a talented student who excelled in basketball and football, garnering all-district honors as a running back

WISNER, NEBRASKA: Hunter Palmer, an 18-year-old athlete, died after collapsing during a track practice at his Nebraskan school. Palmer, who intended to play football in college, collapsed during practice on Friday, May 5, 2023, and later died at a hospital.

Palmer died at Franciscan Healthcare in the city of West Point a few hours after collapsing, according to his obituary. No information regarding the cause of death has been provided. "It is with a very heavy heart that we can confirm that Hunter Palmer, senior at Wisner-Pilger Schools, has died," a statement from the school district read. "It is important for parents to check in on their children during this difficult time. Grief is very complicated and can affect each child differently," the school district said.

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Who was Hunter Palmer?

Palmer was born on January 7, 2005, in Wayne, Nebraska, to Jessica Macke and Michael Palmer. He was a student at Wisner-Pilger High School. He was a talented student who excelled in basketball and football, garnering all-district honors as a running back, according to Omaha World-Herald. He had even signed up to play football at Midland University.

Palmer was a die-hard athlete who also loved baseball, golf, and wrestling, according to his obituary. "He loved hanging out with friends, driving around, watching Netflix, lifting weights, singing, and drinking Dr Pepper. His favorite teams were the Green Bay Packers and Clemson Tigers," his obituary stated.

'We miss you already'

Coach Jeff Jamrog of Midland wrote on Twitter, "Heaven gained a great young man. Our hearts are heavy and we are all suffering with the pain of the loss of Hunter Palmer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Palmer family, friends and the Wisner-Pilger community. Our staff really enjoyed recruiting Hunter."

"He was a dynamic young man who was an absolute pleasure to be around. Hunter was someone so special and will never be forgotten. Hunter is gone way too soon. May you rest in eternal peace Hunter. We miss you already," the tweet concluded.

Palmer had participated in a meet the day before his death and won the high jump by clearing his personal best. He also took part in a relay race, where his team finished in second place. Palmer's funeral will be held at the Wisner City Auditorium on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 pm.