Jonathan “JT” Kuhn, a Big Spring High School sophomore and starter for the boys basketball team, died Monday, superintendent Dr. Richard Fry said.

Kuhn passed away at Penn State Hershey Medical Center after suffering a severe cardiac arrest early Thursday at his home. He was 16 years old.

Kuhn was a starter on the Bulldog basketball team that reached the district playoffs for the first time since 2012. He was a key contributor to the team in scoring and rebounding.

“His infectious smile, love of classmates, and zest for learning are qualities that defined him as a student. His complete and unquestionable commitment to our Boys Basketball program, where he started and was a consistent contributor, helped define JT as a student-athlete,” a statement on the district’s website reads. 

Fry said the district arranged for additional counselors to be on site in multiple buildings to support students and staff.

Kuhn’s mother Jennifer is a third-grade teacher at Newville Elementary.