An Autopsy report says a heart illness killed WCU athlete Ja'Quayvin Smalls. According to reports in the Citizen-Times newspaper, Ja'Quayvin Smalls died from “acute lethal cardiac dysrhythmia due to cardiomyopathy,” according to an autopsy done by Dr. Lawrence Selby and released Tuesday.
Selby found that sickle cell trait and exertion contributed to Smalls' cardiac arrest, though during an interview he downplayed the possibility sickle cell trait played a role in the July 8 death.
The inherited blood disorder is made more dangerous during strenuous exercise. The NCAA had recommended in June, shortly before Smalls' death, that all of its schools require sickle cell testing.
WCU started testing athletes for sickle cell trait after Smalls' death.
“I know that's kind of the hot topic, and that's what Sporting News and ESPN were, not directly saying, but kind of alluding to as a diagnosis,” Selby said. “From the stuff I have, I just can't substantiate anything like that.
“As far as I'm concerned, it's a cardiac-related death related to an enlarged heart,” he said.
Sickle cell
An expert shown the autopsy report by the Citizen-Times said sickle cell could have contributed to Smalls' death.
Selby said Small's heart was slightly enlarged and that he had an irregular heartbeat with premature ventricular contractions during a fever five years ago.
The 20-year-old junior defensive back collapsed during a sprint workout after complaining of cramps.
Lisa Salberg, founder of the New Jersey-based Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, said that's a warning sign of a condition that can cause sudden death. Read More HERE
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