Asthma attack led to teen's death

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Family members of a Chesapeake teen who died after football practice say the teen complained of chest pain before he collapsed earlier this week.

According to family members, 14-year-old JheVontae Davis, who played JV football at Oscar Smith High School, complained of a cough and chest pain before he collapsed at practice. Davis was diagnosed with severe asthma when he was a baby. 

"Early on, it was more intense, and he had to frequent the hospital multiple times," said Jamal Vaughn, Davis' cousin. "But as he grew older, the asthma became more controllable, to the point where he was able to just have his inhaler."

Davis used a breathing machine to sleep at night, but the asthma never crippled his competitive nature or his love for sports, especially football.

At Friday's varsity football game, Oscar Smith's team took a knee and prayed over Davis' jersey. The announcer called for a moment of silence and, in the fence, students used cups to draw a heart around the number Davis wore when he played.

"The moment of silence and the player that wore his jersey, it was just like, man, it was a very touching moment for myself, because he touched so many hearts," said Vaughn, who was a father figure in Davis' life.

He remembers Davis' plans to go to college. He says the teen had so much living left to do.

"We had our whole life planned out and what we wanted to do," said Zyuanya Laguerre, Davis' younger cousin. "I never thought that was the last time I was going to say goodbye to my cousin."

And as the family prepares to say goodbye at a formal service next weekend, Davis' family thinks of all the kind messages, all the community support, and they know JheVontae is smiling in a better place.

"I know he left such a profound mark on this world," said Anissa Gray, Davis' cousin.

The family says the public is invited to the funeral service. It will be held Saturday Oct. 27 at The Mount in Chesapeake.

The family asks donations be deposited at any local Bank of America branch, just mention the name 'JheVontae Davis' to the bank teller.

Official autopsy results have not been released at this time.