Heart Problem Caused Teen's Collapse: Medical Examiner

Anthony Vaeao, 18, collapsed in the school gym

The cause of death has been determined for one San Marcos teenager who collapsed and died playing basketball in May.

The medical examiner said 18-year-old Anthony Vaeao died of a heart problem. Obesity was also listed as a contributing factor.

Authorities said he collapsed in the Mission Hills High School gym and was transported to Palomar Medical Center. The medical examiner confirmed the boy died at the hospital.

Vaeao, at 6'3'' and 320 pounds, was a popular senior and football star for the Grizzlies.

Some relatives told NBC 7 San Diego in May that certain heart conditions run in some family members but said, to their knowledge, Anthony was a healthy young man preparing for his dream to play college football in the fall.

Anthony’s loved ones said he had just accepted a full scholarship to play football at Arizona Western College and was looking forward to graduating high school.

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