James Oliver, a freshman swimmer at Geneva High School in Geneva, Illinois has died after he suffered a brain hemorrhage and stroke during swim practice on December 8.
According to a GoFundMe started last week to help support the expenses associated with his care, Oliver died on Sunday, December 17 at 7PM at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago surrounded by family. The page says that he was born with a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which is a condition where blood vessels in the brain don’t form correctly. According to the MayoClinic, about half of people diagnosed with AVM experience symptoms, while the other half don’t experience any symptoms until a rupture occurs.
“The family wishes to give their deepest thanks to everyone who offered thoughts and prayers for James throughout his ordeal. This support during such a painful experience was enormously meaningful and will never be forgotten,” GoFundMe organizer Jennifer Olsen said in a post.
The Illinois high school boys swimming season began on November 20 with teams allowed to begin competition on December 1.
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I was a friend of James. James was always a quiet but sweet kid. He always brought joy to everyone around him, and was always super kind to those around him. My prayers go out to his family, and rest in piece James. We all miss you.❤️🕊️
my best friend was on his swim team for a bit, said he was the nicest person ever. Wishes to his family, Rest in Peace James. 🕊️❤️
god bless you and RIP
❤️
💔💔💔
I am so deeply sorry for your loss 🙏🏼😢
This is really so sad.
Thoughts and prayers with this boy’s family.