NAMS student collapses in P.E., dies 3/31/2009 12:08 AM
James "Cody" Fox
By KAREN DAILY Staff writer
Officials are awaiting autopsy results before they can say with any certainty what caused the death of a 14-year-old North Augusta Middle School student who collapsed Monday during a physical education class.
Despite working for nearly an hour to save the life of James "Cody" Fox, the teenager was pronounced dead at the Medical College of Georgia's Children's hospital around 10:56 a.m., said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.
The eighth-grader had completed a 200-yard "slow run" with classmates during a routine physical education jogging exercise on the outdoor track when he collapsed near his physical education teacher, officials have said.
The teacher, Richard Bush, and the school nurse immediately began CPR on the teenager until EMS took over chest compressions. Emergency medical crews took Fox to the Medical College of Georgia where doctors continued lifesaving measures for another 45 minutes before pronouncing him dead.
Area 2 Assistant Superintendent Rosie Berry said the Aiken County School District's crisis response team came to the middle school, along with other Area 2 counselors. They assisted North Augusta Middle School counselors in consoling students upset by their classmate's death. Those services will continue as needed, Berry said.
"We've also had community support through Public Safety and youth ministers from the faith-based community," Berry said. "Cody was a student of quality who played rec ball and focused on his school work. He did very well in school."
The autopsy should indicate whether the teenager had any congenital heart abnormalities, Carlton said.
Fox's parents told officials they were unaware of any heart problems their son may have had. School officials said the student did not indicate he had any health problems.
Although there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Fox's death, state law mandates an autopsy be performed when a child dies.
Carlton added that the autopsy should answer a number of lingering questions.
In a press release, Berry and Aiken County Superintendent Dr. Beth Everitt extended their sympathies to the student's family, as well as his classmates, faculty and staff at the school.
Senior writer Rob Novit contributed to this article.
Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.
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Posted by: James Cody Fox On: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 12:14 AM
Comment Title: james cody fox
My name is also James Cody Fox and I just happened to come across this artical. I feel very bad for his friends and family. I hope they figure out what caused this to help others become aware of this problem and make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.
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Posted by: Justin Adam Yonce On: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 2:40 PM
Comment Title: Cody was like a Brother.....
cody was like a brother to me,,,,we would hang out everyday after school,,and listin to our fav. song(a song tht we both liked), which was "until the day i die" by story of the year.....so everyday after he passed i have been listen to tht song,,,and now i have memorized and so i just walk around and sing the lyrics...but i just dont understand y he had to had been the one tht passed,,and y ne1 had to pass....especialy sum1 so close to me(from 7th grade in 08-09 school year) and every1 else in his grade.
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Posted by: Madison On: Friday, May 29, 2009 2:08 PM
Comment Title:
No one knew Cody even had a heart problem until his death. He was always outside running around. And loved to shoot his airsoft gun. I love him and his family. And may God help heal his family.
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Posted by: Julie On: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 10:17 PM
Comment Title:
My nephew died in 2001 at age 13 from an enlarged heart. He was a healthy, normal teenager. My most heart-felt sympathies go out to the Fox family. With God there is a light at the end of this dark time.
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Posted by: jordan On: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:39 PM
Comment Title:
he was my best friend and im sad that he is gone and its killing me every second he isnt here.. but im glad he is in a better place.
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Posted by: Heather On: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 3:55 PM
Comment Title: hope
I just want to say that I hope his family finds out what caused and my god be with you and Im thinking of you.
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Posted by: Renee On: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 2:03 PM
Comment Title: Angel
God has taken just one more of his Angels . May God Bless his family and friends.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 10:18 AM
Comment Title: passing of teen
May god place angels around you with the passing of your child.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 8:02 AM
Comment Title:
My heart goes out to the family! May God and friends comfort you!
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