What Happened to Forsyth County Teen Football Star Finley Kruchten?

what actually happened ?

On October 1, 2024, Forsyth County high school football star, Finley Kruchten, suffered a cardiac arrest caused by a massive pulmonary embolism while in the locker room at Denmark High School. The 17-year-old was initially taken to Northside Hospital Forsyth, then transferred to Northside Gwinnett. Despite efforts to save him, 17-year-old football star Finley Kruchten of Forsyth County tragically passed after a pulmonary embolism. His organ donation will save lives, continuing his legacy of helping others. Finley Kruchten passed away on October 9, 2024, after being declared brain-dead due to the lack of blood flow to his brain caused by the embolism.

What is a Pulmonary Embolism and How Did it Affect Finley?

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a large blood clot blocks a major artery in the lungs, disrupting blood flow and putting strain on the heart. In Finley’s case, the clotting was linked to a condition called Factor V Leiden, a hereditary disorder that makes blood clots more likely. This disorder, which Finley Kruchten’s family was unaware of, ultimately caused his cardiac arrest and severe brain trauma.

Why Did This Happen and Was There Any Warning?

Finley Kruchten’s health appeared normal leading up to the event. His mother, Veronica Kruchten, mentioned that Finley had developed a worsening cough since June, which led to medical tests. However, nothing indicated the underlying severity of his condition. The suddenness of his pulmonary embolism shocked his family, friends, and the community.

Who Was Finley Kruchten?

Finley was more than a talented football player. He was known as a kind, generous individual who often stayed after practice to help clean the locker room and mentor younger students. His dedication to his team and his community earned him respect on and off the field. In July 2024, Finley announced on social media that he had earned a D1 athletic scholarship to play football at Marist College in New York, a milestone he celebrated with his family.

How Has the Community Reacted to Finley’s Passing?

Finley’s passing deeply impacted Forsyth County, with his teammates, friends, and family reflecting on his life and contributions. He was honored at a Denmark High School football game on October 11, where the school encouraged attendees to wear Hawaiian shirts in his memory, symbolizing his fun-loving personality. Chick-fil-A also hosted a Spirit Night, with proceeds going to his family to support them during this difficult time.

What Is Next for Finley’s Legacy?

Though Finley’s life was tragically cut short, his family decided to move forward with organ donation, ensuring that his legacy lives on through the lives he can save. His organ donation is expected to help up to eight individuals and improve the lives of many more. According to LifeLink of Georgia, Finley’s story is a testament to the life-saving power of organ donation.

What Are the Impacts of Organ Donation?

Finley’s organ donation is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about how donors can save lives. In the U.S., over 100,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, with 16 people dying every day due to the shortage of available organs. Each donor, like Finley, can have a significant impact, potentially saving or improving the lives of dozens of individuals.

What’s Next for Finley’s Family?

Finley’s family, while mourning his loss, is focused on honoring his memory and continuing his legacy of helping others. They are advocating for increased testing for clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden to help prevent future tragedies. They have also organized a GoFundMe campaign to support their family through the grieving process.