Basketball New Zealand

Nelson Basketball Association

Kiran Chug, Nelson Mail
Family and friends of a Waimea College student who collapsed while playing basketball were rallying together on Thursday to try to come to terms with his sudden death.

Jardin Leonard Harris, 16, died at Nelson Hospital on Tuesday evening after collapsing during a club basketball game. His death has been referred to the coroner.

His uncle Ali King said Jardin was an extremely fit and healthy young man who played a great deal of sport.

It was believed at this stage that Jardin died from an underlying heart problem, Mr King said. His parents Anne-Maree and Riki and brother Luke were grieving for a much-loved son and brother, and wished to thank everyone who had offered them support.

Nelson Giants coach Chris Tupu was at the Jack Robins Stadium in Stoke when Jardin collapsed, and said Jardin’s peers were shocked by the tragedy.

Mr Tupu was coaching the Nelson College B team that night. He said players and parents courageously tried to resuscitate Jardin while waiting for an ambulance.

Waimea College principal Larry Ching said nothing had happened in the course of the game that might have led to Jardin collapsing.

He described Jardin as a popular, well-regarded student and said his death had greatly affected many students and staff.

A keen basketballer, Jardin had also excelled in outdoor education.

On Wednesday students were offered counselling, and many opted to go home to spend time with friends or family to take in the news, Mr Ching said.

The school had been “very, very subdued”, but students and staff were supporting each other, he said.

A service to celebrate Jardin’s life will be held at Waimea College on Saturday at 11am.