BLOOMFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – The mother of the Bloomfield teen who died at football practice is speaking out.

At Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Stacey-Ann Haylet and her family spent her final minutes with 14-year-old Jahkye Gayle.

Jahkye was at soccer practice on Wednesday evening.

He played for the Bloomfield Junior Warhawks, a Pop Warner league.

The teenager was warming up when he collapsed, startling his coaches and teammates.

His mother, Stacey Ann Haylett, rushed to the practice field after learning about the frightening events from trainers.

When Haylett got there, her youngest son was on the floor.

“I’m panicking. It’s been about 10 minutes and he’s not awake yet. Why isn’t he awake yet?” Haylett asked. “His breathing was also very shallow. His hands were cold and sweaty. I just knew… I just knew it wasn’t going to go well. They always said he was having a seizure.”

She knew something was terribly wrong as she held his wrist and tried to take his pulse.

“At first I liked feeling it, but it got weaker and weaker. When I realized I couldn’t feel it anymore, they told me to back away and pulled out the pads,” she said.

They soon took him to CCMC where he tragically died.

Before Wednesday, the 14-year-old had never had a seizure.

Jahkye’s last physical exam was a few months ago in October.

According to Pop Warner’s website, the only medical exam required to play is a physical exam within the last two years. His mother says he is very healthy.

His untimely death has left Haylett and so many others who loved Jahkye wondering how this could have happened.

She was in constant contact with the coroner.

Gayle’s autopsy has been completed, but there is no word yet on the cause. It may take 6-10 weeks to determine this.

Haylett now wants changes made to require more physical testing for youth sports.

“I definitely think these kids should get an EKG, not just when they have a problem. I think it should be independent of the physical demands,” she said.

Jahkye’s team made it to a national tournament in Orlando, Florida. They hope to return home with a championship in his honor.

If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe set up for the family, click HERE.

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