The community of Penn Hills is grappling with profound sorrow after the sudden passing of 14-year-old Jaiquawn Jay, a beloved student at Imani Christian Academy. The tragedy occurred during basketball practice, leaving classmates, teachers, and families shaken by the loss of a young life filled with promise. Officials with the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office confirmed Jaiquawn’s death, marking a moment of heartbreak for everyone connected to the school.
According to school leaders, Jaiquawn became unresponsive while taking a break during practice. Staff immediately sought help, and he was transported toward UPMC Children’s Hospital for emergency care. Despite those efforts, Jaiquawn tragically passed away en route. The suddenness of the incident has left many struggling to understand how such a vibrant and energetic young person could be gone in an instant.
In the wake of Jaiquawn’s death, Imani Christian Academy adjusted its morning schedule to give students and staff time to absorb the devastating news. Counselors have been brought on campus to provide emotional support, offering safe spaces for students to express their grief and speak openly about their feelings. School officials say their top priority is ensuring that the entire school community has access to the compassion and care they need during this painful time.
Leaders at the academy urged the wider community to continue holding Jaiquawn’s family, friends, and classmates in their thoughts and prayers. They emphasized the importance of unity and empathy as everyone navigates the overwhelming grief that has touched the school. Additional details regarding grief resources and long-term support services will be shared with families in the coming days as the school continues to guide students through this tragedy.
Those who knew Jaiquawn describe him as a spirited and joyful young man whose smile could lift the mood of an entire room. Friends and teachers remember his enthusiasm for basketball, his kindness toward others, and the positive energy he brought to every part of campus life. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void, one that echoes through hallways now filled with sorrow.
As the Penn Hills community rallies around Imani Christian Academy, support continues to pour in for Jaiquawn’s family. Neighbors, faith groups, and local organizations are offering condolences, meals, and comfort as the family faces the unimaginable. In this shared moment of grief, the community stands united, honoring the memory of a remarkable young soul gone far too soon.
