Heart problem blamed for Ore. teen wrestler death

SILVERTON, Ore. (AP) — A heart problem has been blamed for the sudden death of a 17-year-old Oregon high school wrestler just after he won a match.

The Statesman Journal reports an autopsy found that Charley Engelfried suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle.

The Dallas High School junior collapsed and died after pinning his opponent in a Thursday night match at Silverton High School.

Dr. Larry Lewman, the Oregon State deputy medical examiner, said the condition caused his heart to become enlarged and arrhythmic.

Lewman said hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of student-athlete deaths in Oregon.

Dallas High School Principal Scott McLeod called Engelfried “a gentle bear of a guy” with a “wonderful sense of humor.” He also played center on the football team and ran track.

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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com