14-year-old dies at Costa Mesa High School

Update:

At approximately 4:30 PM on Wednesday, March 10^th, Eric Valdez, an 8^th grader, suddenly collapsed while playing handball on the CMHS campus. Costa Mesa Police Department responded and began CPR. Eric was transported to the hospital by the Costa Mesa Fire Department where doctors could not revive him. The coroner has determined this to be an unexpected natural death. Crisis counselors have been on the CMHS campus this morning and will continue throughout the day. 

A 14-year-old eighth grader died yesterday afternoon on campus at Costa Mesa High School.

The boy, whose named has not been released, was playing handball at the time and suddenly collapsed. First responders immediately began CPR. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities have initially termed it an "unexpected natural death."

Crisis counselors are on site at Costa Mesa High School to meet with the grief-stricken students.