Updated: Mahomet-Seymour student dies of apparent natural causes

 
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New 6:23 p.m. Friday:

Services have been set for Matthew Prather, according to Mahomet-Seymour football coach Keith Pogue.

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New 3:58 p.m. Friday:

The superintendent of the Mahomet-Seymour School Disrtrict said it is with sadness that the district mourns the loss of one of its students.

Rick Johnston said Mahomet-Seymour's thoughts, prayers and focus at this difficult time are with the family of 18 year-old Matthew Prather and with the students and staff of the district.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said 18-year-old Matthew Prather was found dead in bed by his father at around 7 p.m. Thursday. Northrup said Prather has had at least one medical issue in the past, but he said he is not sure if that is related in any way to the teen's death. Northrup said there is nothing suspicious about Prather's death at this time, as it appears to be of natural causes. Northrup said he won't know more until an autopsy is performed late Saturday morning.

Prather, who was a senior, played soccer and was a kicker for the football team at Mahomet-Seymour.

 

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Original story 12:20 p.m. Friday:

An autopsy has been scheduled for Saturday in the death of a Mahomet-Seymour High School student on Thursday.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said 18-year-old Matthew Prather was found dead in bed by his father at around 7 p.m. Thursday. Northrup said Prather has had at least one medical issue in the past, but he said he is not sure if that is related in any way to the teen's death. Northrup said there is nothing suspicious about Prather's death at this time, as it appears to be of natural causes. Northrup said he won't know more until an autopsy is performed late Saturday morning.

Prather was a multi-sport athlete at Mahomet-Seymour.  Those who knew him were expressing condolences on Twitter Friday morning.