LITTLE SILVER — Red Bank Regional High School senior forward Albert Martin collapsed and died in the second quarter of the Bucs basketball scrimmage against Point Pleasant Beach, Monday afternoon.
Martin, the only senior on the team, was checking back into the game after playing several minutes in the first quarter. After collapsing near the scorer’s table, he was tended to by the school’s trainer and other medical personnel. Martin was later rushed to Riverview Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
“Albert was an outstanding young man who exemplified all the qualities that you look for in a young person,” said Jim Stefankiewicz, district superintendent, in a statement on the high school’s website. “Albert had a wonderful personality. He touched the lives of so many people. He was caring, thoughtful, respectful and good friend to his classmates. He was a kind soul.”
Martin, 17, had developed into a leadership role after seeing significant playing time last season as a junior.
“Our collective hearts break for his family friends and teammates and the entire RBR community,” Red Bank community information officer Marianne Kligman said.
Red Bank Regional will have counselors and a crisis management team available to students and staff who are seeking those services at the school, Kligman said.
