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KMOV-TV ST. LOUIS The St. Louis County medical examiner said Wednesday that a 13-year-old football player who collapsed during practice died as a result of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure. Anthony Troupe Jr. was 6-foot-2 and weighed 383 pounds when he died in August. Medical examiner Dr. Mary Case said she couldn't directly link Anthony's death to his size, but that obesity is a risk factor in high blood pressure. "It's pretty uncommon," Case said of a teenager dying from high blood pressure. "And certainly his size would contribute to it." Anthony's family did not immediately respond to a phone message Wednesday seeking comment. Anthony collapsed on Aug. 18 while running a lap at the start of practice. Although the team wasn't involved in any strenuous activity, Case said she couldn't rule out that the exercise may also have contributed to his death. Heredity may also have been a factor. Anthony's father, Anthony Troupe Sr., died at age 45 in 2007 due to high blood pressure and clogged arteries. Anthony, known as "Big Ant" by his teammates, played offensive guard and defensive tackle. The team was practicing at McCluer South-Berkeley High School, but was not affliated with any school. Anthony's death was one of two involving teen football players in recent weeks in suburban St. Louis. Earlier this month, 14-year-old Delonte Campbell died after collapsing at practice at Eureka High School, where he was on the freshman team. Case said autopsy results for Campbell won't likely be available for several weeks.
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