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Child athlete's death revives heart testing debate

By AP/KWMU

St. Louis – The death of an overweight eighth-grader during football practice has revived the debate over testing of children's hearts before they engage in sports or other strenuous activity.

Anthony Troupe Jr. collapsed last week on a suburban St. Louis football field.
The 13-year-old known as "Big Ant" for his 6-foot-2-inch, 383-pound body was pronounced dead at a local hospital an hour later.

The cause of death won't be available for several weeks pending test results. But the boy's weight, heart and family history are suspect.

Anthony's father collapsed and died two years ago at age 45 from heart disease.

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