Woodward basketball player dies days after collapse

A Woodward-Granger junior who collapsed at boys’ basketball practice last week died Monday morning at Mercy Medical Center.

Drew Jacobson, 16, of Woodward was transported from the high school by air ambulance on Wednesday after falling on the court.

Jacobson was placed under sedation in pediatric intensive care after arriving at the Des Moines hospital. Mercy officials confirmed his death Monday.

“His family has been private about the situation, which they have every right to be,” Woodward-Granger Superintendent Brad Anderson said. “We found out Monday morning and let students know of his passing.”

Woodward-Granger’s varsity team was going through drills in practice at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday when Jacobson collapsed. Coaches and Woodward first responders worked to assist him.

The cause of his death has not been publicly revealed. Students at the school were told the collapse was related to congestive heart failure.

“He went down to the ground after a loose ball, just like Drew does, then he pushed himself up and went back down and we knew something was wrong,” Woodward-Granger varsity boys’ basketball coach Brent Achenbach said.

Anderson said Monday the accident wasn’t the result of contact or a specific play at practice and that coaches followed their training appropriately to keep Jacobson stable until medical personnel arrived.

The boy’s father, Russ Jacobson, could not be reached for comment on Monday. Mercy officials indicated the family requested privacy from the hospital as well.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 230-pound Jacobson was starting his second varsity basketball season. He also participated in football and track and field at Woodward-Granger.

The Hawks played their season opener last Tuesday at West Central Valley, with Jacobson making his first varsity start. He finished with four points, three steals and two rebounds in a 50-36 loss.

Woodward-Granger played at Des Moines Christian as scheduled on Friday.

“They played on Friday night as hard as Drew would have played,” Achenbach said. “He was that type of kid.”

Achenbach is in his first season as head coach.

Teammates remembered their hustling, good-natured friend on Monday. Visitors were not allowed into the PICU, so they relied on updates of Jacobson’s status throughout a stressful weekend.

“I really never saw Drew be mean to anyone,” said the basketball team’s lone senior, Nick Squires. “Always willing to go out of his way for you or offer a hand. He was a great kid.”

Woodward-Granger called an assembly for the announcement on Monday morning, and the Hawks carried on with their practice schedule in the afternoon.

“Right after it happened we had a meeting and this morning we had another meeting,” Squires said. “We’re just trying to get through things together and speak what’s on our minds.

“We’re trying to focus on basketball, but it’s been tough because it’s a huge distraction not having him with us.”

A GoFundMe page set up by Woodward mayor Brian Devick to help offset medical and funeral costs for Jacobson’s family raised more than $15,000 in its first six hours online Monday.

Devick has known the family for 10 years and lives just a few blocks away in Woodward, with a son in the same as Drew.

“I know accidents happen, but nobody should have to bury their teenage son,” Devick said. “It’s tragic. We’re a small community, we want to stand by and support the family.”

The mayor stayed in close contact with the family through the weekend. Devick said Drew was known around town for his effort and determination.

“He was just a very nice, friendly kid who was always willing to help with anything and gave 110 percent all the time,” Devick said.

“It was a surprise, because as far as everybody knew, Drew was a happy, healthy young man.”

Funeral arrangements are still being determined. Anderson said the high school has offered to serve as a location for services or fundraisers. A “Throwback Prom” set for Saturday at the school will donate its proceeds to Jacobson’s family.

But first, the basketball team will honor its teammate. Tuesday night’s game against Woodward Academy was under discussion for a postponement or cancellation, but it will go on as planned.

Tipoff is set for 7:45 p.m.

“We’re playing,” Squires said. “We thought that Drew would want us to play, so we’re going to go out and give it our best.

“In school or in sports, I’ve never seen a kid go so hard.”