FENNVILLE, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jan. 30, 2025) – For some, it doesn’t seem as if will be 14 years this coming March 3rd when Wes Leonard died.
The two-sport star junior at Fennville High had just hit the game-winning shot in overtime that night in 2011 to defeat visiting Bridgman and complete a perfect 20-0 regular season for the Blackhawks. About a half hour later, Leonard collapsed at the school of what proved to be an undiagnosed heart condition, and after a search for an automated external defibrillator came up with a uncharged machine stashed in a janitor’s closet, he eventually succumbed at Holland Hospital.
Many believed that, had the AED been more easily accessible and fully operational, Wes Leonard could have possibly seen his 30th birthday this past August 30. Since then, the Leonard family has spearheaded the Wes Leonard Heart Team that has put new, operational machines at schools and other public entities, as well as promote initiatives such as HeartSafe Holland to educate the public on life-saving techniques.
Mother Jocelyn Leonard has been in the forefront of the Wes Leonard Heart Team’s efforts.
The 14th annual “Never Forgotten” basketball fundraiser between Fennville and visiting Saugatuck is set for Saturday evening, with the varsity doubleheader starting at 5 PM. There will be radio coverage following the Hope-Calvin men’s contest on The Lakeshore’s 92 7 The Van.
Comments