Teen Who Died During John Bowne Basketball Practice Had Heart Problem

Lenny Pierre, 16, died from a heart problem during basketball practice at John Bowne High School in December.

By David Brand

The 16-year-old boy who died during basketball practice at John Bowne High School in Flushing was born with serious heart problem, the city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Thursday.

Lenny Pierre died of cardiac arrest due to anomalous origin of right coronary artery from the left sinus of valsalva, the OCME said.

“This young man was born with anatomic anomaly,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson. “A major vessel that brings blood to the heart was in an abnormal location and resulted in his cardiac arrest.”

The John Bowne Wildcats were preparing to host the Queens Jam Christmas Classic tournament on Dec. 26, 2018, according to the MaxPreps website.

School staff immediately called 911 and emergency responders found the 6-foot, 6-inch varsity basketball player unconscious and unresponsive.

Pierre, a Jamaica resident, was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital-Queens where he was pronounced dead. Pierre wore No. 31.

“This was a tragic loss, and my heart is with this student’s family, team, and school community,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza in a statement at the time. “We will provide additional guidance counselors and support to this school community for as long as it is needed, and we are working with NYPD and agency partners as they conduct a thorough investigation.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio also issued a statement to mourn Pierre’s death after his death last year.

“I am heartbroken to hear of Lenny Pierre’s passing. As a parent, and as a father of student athletes, I can only imagine the pain and sorrow being felt by Lenny’s family, loved ones and classmates,” de Blasio said. “On behalf of 8.6 million New Yorkers, I extend our deepest condolences. We will be with this family now and in the future as we mourn the loss of one of our City’s children.”