A teenage swimmer tragically passed away after experiencing an undisclosed medical emergency at a swim meet only days before she would have graduated from high school.
Seventeen-year-old Tehani Alexa Hi’Ilei Kealoha of Kamehameha Swim Club passed away on May 13 after experiencing an unexpected medical crisis during the girls’ state high school water polo championship in which she would be a participant.
Kealoha was immediately taken to a local hospital, but it was too late — the young athlete was pronounced dead later that day.
Kealoha was scheduled to attend her high school graduation ceremony at Moanalua High School the following Friday, but she was struck down with an unknown affliction, never to don the cap and gown in commemoration of the end of her high school days.
The water polo championship was postponed as a result of Kealoha’s condition. Two days after the teenager’s early death, her team went on to win one for the gipper, defeating Punahou for the state championship in a worthy disruption of that team’s 13-year winning streak.
“It is with a heavy heart we inform you of the recent passing of one of our senior students, Tehani Kealoha. Tehani was a very active student and athlete at Moanalua High,” Principal Robin Martin said in a statement.
“This loss has deeply affected our school community, especially with graduation approaching. We ask that you please keep the entire Kealoha family in your thoughts in this most difficult time.
On behalf of Moanalua High, we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tehani. She will be greatly missed.”
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
