As we begin this year’s sports physical season, we want to share an important message from one of our community members that has the potential to save lives.

The Thornton Family recently experienced the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Owen Thornton III due to an undiagnosed heart arrhythmia. He was otherwise healthy, active, and loving life — and his passing shocked everyone who knew him. The Thornton Family has courageously chosen to share their story so that other families might take steps to help protect their children.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) — when the heart unexpectedly stops — is the leading medical cause of death among young athletes and students, often occurring with little or no warning. Most affected students have no symptoms prior to the event, and traditional physical exams alone can miss many underlying risk factors.

The advocacy of the Thornton Family has caused OSSAA to include an additional informational sheet in their official physical forms for this school year. Their suggested resource is (https://myheartcheck.org/) we encourage you to check out your available resources including talking to your child’s primary care physician.

Why Heart Screening Matters
While typical sports physicals include a heart auscultation and questions about medical and family history, they do not routinely include an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). This electrical tracing of the heart can detect many conditions that may not be evident during a normal exam — and which are associated with sudden cardiac death. Organizations like Who We Play For or Jump Start Your Heart offer affordable, non-invasive ECG heart screenings designed to catch potentially life-threatening abnormalities before they cause harm. These screenings are interpreted by cardiologists, and families receive results with guidance on next steps.

What You Can Do
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about the potential benefits and limitations of adding an ECG to routine wellness visits or sports physicals. Medical experts agree that such screening may identify some conditions that would otherwise be missed.

Consider ECG screening opportunities through programs like My Heart Check, Who We Play For or Jump Start Your Heart, especially if:

• Your child participates in competitive or high-intensity sports
• There is a family history of heart disease or sudden death
• Your child has symptoms like fainting, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or unexplained fatigue during exertion.

Learn the warning signs — don’t ignore chest pain, fainting, palpitations(which feel like a butterfly in chest), or unusual shortness of breath. If you notice these, seek medical evaluation promptly.

The Thornton Family’s hope is that their tragedy will encourage other parents to be informed and be proactive. A few extra minutes in a clinic, with the right conversation, could make all the difference. Thank you for partnering with us in keeping our kids safe, healthy, and ready to pursue the activities they love.

Sincerely,

Cleveland Public Schools and The Family of Owen Thornton III

SPORT PHYSICAL INFORMATION

Cleveland students will attend on Wednesday, May 6 at 1:00 PM at Lake Area Medical Associates. Middle school students will be bused over, with high school athletes to follow.

Cost is $15 (cash only). Students should bring any required forms and prescription eyewear.

Let’s get ready for a great season—make plans now to get your physical completed! Go Tigers!

Physical forms will be going home with students prior to May 6th. Make sure you get them filled out with medical history.

Forms can also be found here!