In Memoriam: Lawrence Jenkins--(Nov. 30, 1999)

Last night, one of the worst things anyone can imagine occurred on a basketball court here in Los Angeles, something that makes everything else seem trivial and unimportant, any parent's, coach's or teammate's worst nightmare: A young high school basketball player died during practice last night at Ribet Academy.

We didn't know Lawrence Jenkins.  But Lawrence had more than a few friends, and he was loved by those who knew him.  We have no idea whether he was a Division I college prospect, or just a young man who enjoyed competing and playing the game, and frankly it doesn't make any difference to us:  He was a part of the SoCal basketball community, and with his passing, we are all diminished.

Lawrence Jenkins apparently died of cardiac arrest.

He was only 17. 

This is a message which was originally posted on the SoCalHoops Message Forum from someone close to the events:

Lawrence Jenkins (formerly a student at Bell Jeff)  collapsed on the court yesterday after doing line drills. Paramedics revived him and hospital staff heroically worked on him for well over two hours... but God had other plans for Lawrence... He was not alone...Several teammates, coaches, concerned parents, and his family were there through it all... his buddies from childhood also came. Hospital personnel showed so much sensitivity and kindness... thank you for letting us all go in to say goodbye to him... and to the fire department grief counsellors who helped talk us through the immediate trauma. Before rumors get started.... Lawrence was a beautiful young man who DID NOT take drugs and was a 4.0 student. He was a good kid with a heart of gold and a wisdom beyond his years. This was a tragic incident but could not have been prevented. The cardiologist who worked on him spoke with us and said they are certain the autopsy will reveal he had a congenital heart defect... My prayers are with his wonderful and gracious family included all us while dealing with their own grief. Lawrence's mother asked that the team play their game tonight and play well all season for Lawrence. This season at Ribet Academy will be a difficult one, dedicated to Lawrence... refs won't call it...but there WILL be an extra man on the court at all times. Jason, Jerryl, Matt, Satera, Travis, and Victor... Coaches Duncan, Green, and Moore...last night will stay with you for the rest of your lives... you are beautiful people and should know that there's a reason Lawrence touched your lives and a reason you were chosen to touch his and be with him last night. Remember that Lawrence died doing what he loved... help the rest of your teammates and the other students deal with this loss and realize how blessed you all are. Stay strong and celebrate his life... God Bless you.

The same person who posted that message also sent us an e-mail (and requested to remain anonymous).  We've slightly edited the letter to guard identities and to respect others' privacy, but we want to warn those who become emotional reading this sort of thing, because it was obviously a very compelling and intensely traumatic event.

I arrived at Glendale Memorial Hospital as soon as possible after hearing of the incident, and when I got there, I found some of the team members, and a friend, a girls basketball player, Jenkins' father, and coaches standing outside with a paramedic. Lawrence had apparently gone into complete cardiac arrest during line drills. He just sat down and then collapsed. Coach Green held him as paramedics were called. It was very traumatic for everyone. They used paddles, and then one of those breathing bags to breathe for him as they took off for the hospital.   The paramedic said they had jump started his heart and were stabilizing him.   But no one expected what was to come. A team of hospital personnel worked on him literally for well over two hours..... explaining that they worked so hard because he was only 17, trying desperately to save him.

Lawrence's mother arrived at the hospital and was taken to him immediately. Those present were all taken into a private room and one of the hospital administrators stayed with us, answering as many questions as he could. Lawrence's grandmother and aunt were also with us and his family came in and out. We all cried and prayed. Every so often someone would come in and update us.... each time saying "it doesn't look good."  At about 8:00 p.m. we were eventually gathered in the room by hospital staff were told that Lawrence hadn't made it.

The hospital staff were so kind and sensitive.... I can't tell you how wonderful they were, and I can't tell you what we were all feeling..... it was just all so incredibly sad and intense. They took us into his room to say goodbye and we all held hands, including his, and Coach Moore comforted us all. One by one the kids said goodbye to their teammate and we went back to the room.... expressing our grief and condolences to his brother, mother, and the rest of the family. His grandfather came in and insisted that no one feel guilty.... there was no fault to be had. Several people came in to talk with us. The cardiologist who worked on him came and sat down..... Everyone patiently explaining and answering any and all questions.

Whether Lawrence knew about his condition was also discussed.  The doctor said that a lot of athletes play and hide their condition. He discussed Hank Gathers and Pete Marovich.

Lawrence died doing  what he loved and had just had a personal victory..... finally getting down a tough move he'd been trying to accomplish. He was a terrific young man. Grief therapists came from the fire department, they were wonderful. The kids were falling apart this morning arriving at school....... Those who were there last night knew there would be a lot on their shoulders since they were there and many, including other teammates, didn't know yet. The school had an assembly and counselors on hand for everyone. The kids were wonderful last night, hurting so much, but are determined to celebrate Lawrence's life.... and dedicate the season to him and play hard for him. They were all so excited about this season.... knowing they had a good team, with Lawrence at center, and expecting to go to State. His mother came in expressly to tell the team to keep playing and win for him. She was remarkably strong for everyone. I guess writing this is sort of therapy for me. My heart goes out to his family. 

God Bless you Lawrence and your family.

Signed,

(name withheld upon request)

Our condolences go out to everyone at Ribet, to Lawrence's coaches, his friends, teachers, and most of all to his family and his parents.

We don't normally sign "Daily Articles" but in this case, we'll make an exception. God bless you Lawrence.

Jerry Gale
SoCalHoops