NANKIN — The death of a teen who collapsed at Mapleton’s Homecoming football game in September was because of myocarditis, according to a Monday afternoon press release from the Ashland County Coroner’s Office.
Breanne McKean’s cause of death, myocarditis, is an inflammation of the heart muscles.
The press release from the coroner’s office stated myocarditis’ causes can include:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Fungi
- Certain medications or illegal drugs
- Chemicals or radiation
- Other inflammatory diseases
“Usually, myocarditis goes away without permanent complications,” the press release stated. “However, severe myocarditis damages or weakens the heart muscles so the rest of the body doesn’t get enough blood.
“Clots can form in the heart, leading to stroke and heart attack.”
McKean’s autopsy, performed by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, states her cause of death was viral myocarditis. It says her family reported she had a respiratory illness before she passed away, but she was not symptomatic.
It also states she tested positive for Rhino-/Entero-virus, better known as the common cold, according to the National Institute of Health.
A toxicology report that came with McKean’s autopsy found caffeine in her system.
The response
After McKean’s death in September, area schools and businesses responded with financial and emotional support for her friends and family. They posted pictures in Mapleton Local Schools colors, made T-shirts and hosted bake sales, donating the funds to her family.
The Ashland County Community Foundation also began collecting funds for a Bre McKean Scholarship Fund. The fundraising goal was set at $15,000. By Nov. 10, ACCF had collected over $60,000 for the fund.
Starting this year, the scholarship will go to a female student-athlete graduating from Mapleton, embodying the phrase “Live Like Bre.” That phrase became a hashtag on social media where people shared their memories of McKean.
The scholarship will offer an award of $2,100 for each of its first five years. McKean’s uniform number was 21.