A South Florida community is grieving the death of a 15-year-old water polo player who died unexpectedly at a tournament in Miami on Friday afternoon.
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School sophomore Lucas Osuna’s death has been confirmed by the school and his family, although many of the specifics of the tragedy remain unclear, publicly.
The cause of death is not known and it remains unclear if Osuna was competing at the time of the incident.
Parents, referees and Ransom Everglades staff helped perform life-saving measures to try to save Lucas, according to a statement from his water polo team, the Miami Whitecaps.
When reached for further information, Belen spokespeople responded with a statement asking for ‘privacy for his family during this time and most of all prayers for the repose of his soul and comfort to those he loved and loved him.’
DailyMail.com has also reached out to Miami school police and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s office to inquire about a cause of death.
Lucas Osuna was a water polo player and beloved student at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Lucas (right) is pictured alongside family members following his tragic death on Friday
Lucas flexes in the pool in one of many pics posted on Facebook by his father, Mike
Lucas’ father Mike confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday, writing on Facebook: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we share the unfathomable loss of our beloved son, Lucas Michael Osuna aka Thor.
‘In true Superhero fashion, he embodied perseverance, determination and overcoming all the obstacles life threw his way. In moments of tragedy, our 8N Family has proven to unite in prayer, compassion, faith, and above all, Love.
‘We ask that you take a moment to hug your loved ones a little tighter and keep us in your thoughts.’
The loss of Lucas is being felt far beyond the Osuna family.
Even Miami Mayor Francis Suarez – a friend of Mike’s – offered his condolences online.
‘Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic passing of Lucas Osuna, a beloved student from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, class of 2027,’ Suarez wrote online. ‘Lucas was the eldest son of my dear friend Mike, who I’ve known for years through our time training together in Coconut Grove. My heart breaks for him and his family.
‘To the entire Belen community, and especially to Lucas’ family and friends, please know that Miami stands with you in this time of unimaginable loss.’
Many of those friends remembered Lucas for his gentle nature on Sunday.
‘Kindhearted. He was an actual genuine person,’ Lucas’ friend Justin Otero told NBC Miami. ‘If you ever needed something, he was always there.’
A prayer service was held for Bethel students at the school on Saturday.
