Autopsy confirms cause of MS Coast teen’s collapse, death. A community vigil is planned
A 15-year-old Gautier High School student who was working out in the high school field house when he collapsed and later died suffered a pulmonary embolism, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. said.
As a result, the coroner said, the Jan. 9 death of sophomore Shermarion Miner is due to natural causes. “it’s really unfortunate,” he said.
In the aftermath of Shermarion’s death, the city of Gautier has planned a community gathering to honor and remember the beloved student and athlete at 5 p.m. Thursday at Vaughn-Wallace stadium at Gautier High School.
“Our community is deeply saddened by the loss of Shermarion ...” Mayor Casey Vaughan said Tuesday. “Let’s come together in support, honoring Shermarion and his family with love, compassion and unity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. We are Gautier strong and must rely on our faith.”
The city is encouraging attendees to wear the school colors, navy, and gold, at the gathering, which will include a flashlight vigil.
The funeral service for Shermarion will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Healer Nation Healing Center, 7417 Martin Bluff Road, Gautier. Dr. Yvonne Capehart will officiate at the service.
Since the death, Shermarion’s mother, Tawanda Carter, has encouraged parents “to love on your kids because I will never get my baby back.”
Shemarion collapsed in the high school field house just before classes ended on Jan. 9, according to the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. Despite life-saving measures administered by coaches and staff, Shemarion died a short time later at Ocean Springs Hospital.
“Our community continues to process an unimaginable tragedy,” the School District said. “There are no words to describe the grief that has plagued the Gautier and Pascagoula-Gautier School District community. The loss of such a young soul, just 15 years old, has left a hole in our hearts.
“Shermarion was a beloved member of the Gator football team, and his teammates and coaches have lost a brother,” the School District said.
Once he graduated high school, Shermarion planned to attend LSU, where his mother earned a master’s degree in social work. He hoped to pursue an engineering degree.
Shermarion is survived by his mother, Tawanda Carter, his father, Shermaine Miner, his brother, Ka’Darrious Miner, his twin sister, Shermiya, and sister Ta’sharmanee Miner.
This story was originally published January 14, 2025 at 11:12 AM.
