Spencer Melvin collapsed while preparing to play in a Little League game on April 10.LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
An 8-year-old Las Vegas boy who collapsed before playing in a Little League baseball game died due to an existing heart condition.
On Thursday, the Clark County Coroner's office said Spencer Melvin's cause of death stemmed from a condition classified as hypertrophic cardio myopathy.
According to the American Heart Association, the genetic condition is described as a thickening of the heart muscle that makes it difficult for the heart to relax and for blood to fill its chambers.
The condition is also the leading cause of sudden death among young athletes, according to AHA.
Family physician Dr. Daliah Wachs said cases like Spencer's, though rare, are not uncommon.
"I think the numbers are 15 out of every 100,000 children have acute sudden death out in the athletic field," Dr. Wachs said.
Spencer's father said the boy did not appear to have any congenial problems.
Melvin died suddenly during warm-ups for a Peccole Little League game at Rainbow Park on Oakey Boulevard near Tenaya Way.
The child was a shortstop for the Minor AA Cardinals.
His teammates paid tribute to him through special fundraisers and by honoring him at games last month.
The league he played for also ordered patches for purchase to honor Spencer.
Wachs said Spencer's death is a good reminder for parents to have their children checked for medical conditions, especially if the child is in organized sports.
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