LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) — It's been ten years since a local high school student's death changed our community and how athletes deal with heat and hydration during sports practices and games in the summer months.
On Saturday, Aug. 4, you're invited to honor Max Gilpin's memory at the Splash 'n' Dash on the Big Four Lawn at Louisville's Waterfront Park. The event benefits children at Norton Children's Hospital. It's the place Max spent the last few days of his life, after suffering a massive heat stroke.
"I got the phone call saying he was down on the field and was not moving," Michele Crockett, his mother said.
Doctors said Max had a body temperature of 107 degrees when he arrived at the hospital. They fought to save his life for the next three days.
"He didn't make it. He didn't survive, but they could not have been any more supportive. They exhausted all possibilities to keep him alive," Crockett said.
His death sparked a movement far beyond the field, stretching across the country requiring coaches receive more education and medical training among other things. Max's mom says she saw the biggest change in parents, who took it upon themselves to learn the signs of heat-related illnesses.
"I had so many people reach out to me within the first couple of years, parents saying, your son saved my son's life," Crockett said.
It's the message she'll carry at this year's Splash 'n' Dash as hundreds make their way through water obstacle courses during the family walk/run. There's a 5K and 1K, a DJ, face painting, water balloon toss, water slides, a rock climbing wall and areas for the little ones. Kids ages 4 and under are free. The events begin at 9 a.m. Go to splashndash5k.org to register.
On Your Side: Know the signs of heat stroke
If you believe someone is suffering from heatstroke, get them in the air conditioning, and into a cool shower or bath and call 911 immediately.
-High body temperature, 104 degrees or higher
-Confusion, slurred speech, dizziness
-Lack of sweating, despite the heat
-Nausea and vomiting
-Muscle cramps
-Flushed skin
-Rapid, shallow breathing
-Racing heart rate
-Headache