what is the leading cause of preventable death in high school athletics?

The leading cause of preventable death in high school athletics is exertional heatstroke (EHS). This condition is particularly common in high-intensity, long-duration, or repeated same-day sports practices and training activities, especially in hot weather. Football has received the most attention due to the number and severity of EHS cases. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research reported multiple deaths of high school football players due to EHS over recent years. Preventive measures such as heat acclimatization plans, hydration strategies, and activity modifications based on environmental heat stress are crucial to reducing the risk of EHS in high school athletes.