LaPorte County officials believe a heart attack is what killed a 17-year-old New Prairie High School student last month. Mark Mayfield died suddenly on January 23, after taking part in an intramural basketball game at the school.
Following an examination by a forensic pathologist, LaPorte County Coroner Bob Cutler has determined that the cause of death was “remote myocardial infarction/fibrosis resulting in fatal arrhythmia.” It was caused by a previous, undetected heart attack and would have been virtually impossible to detect in a general examination, according to Pathologist Dr. John Feczko.
In a statement, Mayfield’s parents thanked school officials, the Sheriff’s Department, the Coroner’s Office and several others for their efforts to save their son’s life, and for their support following his death.
