United Local students counseled after athlete’s death.

HANOVERTON — School counselors and ministers were talking with United Local School students today after a student collapsed Monday after junior varsity football practice.

Gavin Ward, 12, the son of volunteer coach Mike Ward, was taken to Salem Community Hospital.

Superintendent RuthAnn Rinto said that all school protocols were followed and all students involved in athletes must have an examination by a doctor in order to play.

She said she could not comment because of patient privacy laws.

Ward and his wife, Denise, are both teachers at the school.