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Highlands Today

BREAKING NEWS: 17-Year-Old AP Youth Academy Resident Dies

BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AFTER PLAYING BASKETBALL

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Brad Dickerson

Published: January 27, 2009

AVON PARK - An Ocala youth died Monday night following his collapse at the Avon Park Youth Academy Juvenile Detention Facility.

Staff members contacted the Polk County Sheriff's Office and advised them of the death of John W. Kingcade, 17, of Ocala, according to a press release.

During their investigation, detectives learned that Kincade collapsed on the basketball court following a game. Witnesses said the youth had been playing for about 20 minutes before becoming unresponsive.

Facility staff members performed CPR until emergency crews arrived. Kincade was transported to Florida Hospital Heartland Division, where he was pronounced dead at 8:14 p.m., the release stated.

The victim's mother told detectives he had a similar episode in the past that required hospitalization.

"He was involved in a sport when he became lightheaded and had to be taken to a hospital," said Donna Wood, public information officer for the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Kincade had been at the youth academy since Dec. 23, 2008, following his Dec. 16 Ocala conviction for trafficking in cocaine.

Foul play is not suspected in the case, according to detectives. Wood said it appears to be medically related, although nothing definitive has been determined.

"It appears at this point it may be (medical), but cause of death will be determined by an autopsy pending toxicology," she said.

Calls to youth academy officials could not be reached Tuesday.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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