Alaska Teen Remembered for Kindness After Fatal Collapse

Curry suffered cardiac arrest after collapsing while playing football during a physical education class at Eagle River High School. He was taken to Providence Hospital, where he was declared brain dead later that evening. His family chose to donate his organs. Curry was 15 years old.

His parents, Mary and James Curry, said he was born with a heart condition and had surgery to address it. His father said the operation had essentially healed the condition. Funeral information said Curry’s heart health had been closely monitored by a child heart doctor.

At 6 feet 3 inches tall, Curry played on the school’s varsity football team as a freshman. His family said he was named one of Alaska’s best defensive players shortly before his death. Coach Jonathan Wetzel remembered Curry as a capable leader, while family and friends also recalled his kindness and upbeat nature.

Nearly 500 people came to Curry’s funeral on November 11. His family said the turnout and the support they received from the community had brought them some comfort. Two community members built a custom casket to fit him, and his teammates helped his father dig the grave by hand.

Curry’s family created a fundraiser to help with medical bills and other costs. Hospital staff and organ recipients also met this week to honor him as a donor.