By Moses Leos III

A game of wrestling among friends turned tragic early Sunday morning as a Hays High senior died after being placed in a chokehold. 

According to Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith, 17-year-old Elijah Navor Hernandez passed away at about 2:40 a.m. Sunday after being transported to Seton Medical Center Hays in Kyle.

City of San Marcos Communications Specialist Trey Hatt said the incident happened at around 1:27 a.m. Sunday morning. Hatt said San Marcos Police were dispatched to assist San Marcos/Hays County EMS at a house in the Blanco Vista Subdivision where a sleepover was being held.

According to San Marcos Police, Hernandez and another 17-year-old teen began to engage in a game of wrestling. The teen eventually placed Hernandez in a chokehold neck restraint and told him to “tap-out.”

Hernandez, however, didn’t tap out and eventually passed out.

But attendees at the sleepover told authorities that Hernandez wasn’t responsive. In addition, they saw he wasn’t breathing and said his lips were blue.

The homeowners, who were present in the home but asleep at the time, were stirred awake by attendees when they realized something was wrong.

When police and EMS arrived, they found the homeowner performing CPR on Hernandez. Emergency officials transported him to Seton Hays where he passed away.

Smith said that she has ordered an autopsy for the official manner and cause of death. 

Hatt said police have ruled the death accidental and that no criminal charges are pending against the teenager.

Hays High officials were immediately notified of Hernandez’ death, according to Smith.

In a statement, Hays High principal David Piece said that grief counselors are available for students and employees and that the school is encouraging “everyone to take advantage.”

Pierce said Hays High is a family and that the loss of Hernandez is devastating.

“This is a tragic occurrence – to have a young man pass away at the threshold of becoming an adult. We are reminding our students to reflect on the joy, friendship, and love he shared with us while he was alive,” Pierce said in a statement. “His memory and the impact he had on so many lives will live on through all of his friends, teachers, and his family. We are keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Funeral services for Hernandez will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle.