CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Rossview High School student and basketball player Cam Ward died while playing basketball. He was 17 years old.
Rossview High School Principal, Dr. Meghen Sanders, shared with us that Cam was playing basketball with friends and teammates when a very sudden medical emergency ended his life unexpectedly.
Cam was full of light and joy and was such a positive presence in our classrooms, on the court, and in our school community. I will miss his weekly visits when he would sneak up to the main office to get his favorite candy bar, Twix, from Mrs. Fields as she gave him a pre-game pep talk and then brought him back to me for some additional encouragement to play his best and DUNK more! We will miss seeing him in the hallways, with his teammates, talking basketball and re-hashing who did what on the floor. He was and is an absolutely amazing young man who has a special place in so many hearts. He will be truly missed but will always be remembered – especially in the echoes of basketball games in our gymnasium and in the laughter of our hallways.
Clarksville-Montgomery County School board member Aron Maberry shared his sadness at the news.
There is a candlelight vigil for Cam on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. in front of Rossview High School.
"We want to wrap our arms around his mother, Jessica Ward, his teammates, Coach Jackson, and our assistant basketball coaches," Sanders said.
On Monday, RHS is offering support for staff and students who need encouragement or support:
- For faculty and staff, we will meet at 7 AM on Monday in the library for reflection and encouragement. This meeting is optional and will give us a space to come together and connect before we begin our day of supporting our students and each other.
- Students and faculty and staff who need support should come to the library, which will have counselors and social workers ready to assist. They will be available all day to support our campus. If you need someone to supervise a class so that you can step out to the library, please contact the main office so we can send a sub.
- Our counselors will also be present throughout the building- guidance, library, Cam’s classes, hallways, etc. to support those in need.
Cam's brother, Messiah Ward, has also set up a GoFundMe to help pay for medical bills and other funeral arrangements, if you want to help contribute.
It's truly the small things that add up to a great day - and Warrick in Lebanon is having a big impact. His familiar face is becoming a staple in one part of the community and inspiring closer connection in the simplest way. Enjoy his warm personality! You may even feel inclined to wave to a stranger today, too.
-Rebecca Schleicher
