This morning, Denton Guyer senior distance runner Dylan Dorrell died after today's cross country practice. The Denton Record-Chronicle reported that the 17-year-old was found unresponsive in a restroom at the park following this morning's practice.
Coach Jonathan Ponsonby set up a GoFundMe page for the Dorrell family with hopes to raise money for and he stated, "he (Dylan) was adored and admired by his teachers, teammates, and coaches."
Dorrell ran a 5K PR of 21:17.94 as a sophomore, "he had an amazing work ethic, was focused on improving every small detain, and was a huge part of developing the family atmosphere present at Guyer High School and on the Guyer Cross Country Team," Ponsonby said.
This is tragic news for the Dorrell and Guyer families. It is also tough for the running community that lost a track season to COVID and is having uncertainties around much of the state pertaining to their cross country season. To lose a valuable young member of the running community is clearly a tough situation.
Ponsonby added, "we are crushed to lose Dylan. His life impacted so may people in so many places. The Guyer family is already pouring out support in words of consolation and contributions. The entire Denton proper has been moved to share the GoFundMe page and donate. Dylan's life reached the larger running community across the state with coaches and athletes from other schools in other cities looking for ways to help however they can. I'm devastated, but so moved to see this huge community do their best to take care of Dylan's family."
