Jake West, a LaPorte High School football player who died during practice in 2013, is the inspiration for legislation approved last week by the Indiana General Assembly requiring coaches and parents of student athletes be provided more information about the risks and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.
Spurred to action by the death of a LaPorte High School football player, Indiana lawmakers are determined to ensure the coaches and parents of student-athletes and marching band members are aware of the risks and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.
Jake West was a junior at LaPorte when he collapsed in 2013 while running laps during football practice and died of sudden cardiac arrest due to an undiagnosed genetic weakening of the muscular wall of his heart.
A subsequent screening of some 250 Northwest Indiana student-athletes by Indiana University LaPorte Hospital found at least three warranted further testing for similar conditions.
WATCH NOW: LaPorte football remembers its teammate (2013)
House Enrolled Act 1040 would require additional information about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) be provided to school employees and the parents of student athletes, including how to obtain electrocardiogram testing.
"SCA is the leading cause of death for young student-athletes in the country. Over the last several years, LaPorte County has lost three kids due to this condition,” said state Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, the House sponsor.
“Those great students are the reason why I authored this bill. I hope that more athletes will be aware of this condition and receive information that could help save a life."
The legislation also requires student athletes identified by a coach, trainer, or other medical personnel as experiencing a symptom of sudden cardiac arrest must halt their participation in practice or a game until a parent or guardian is provided information about SCA and authorizes their child’s return.
Symptoms of SCA include fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pains, dizziness, or an abnormal racing heart rate.
"As the parent of a student athlete, I know how important the availability of safety information is. This bill is a common sense way to help keep our children safe as they participate in athletics,” said state Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, the Senate sponsor.
The proposal additionally obligates athletic coaches, marching band leaders or any leader of a strenuous extracurricular activity to complete an SCA training course.
Julie West, the mother of Jake West, has dedicated her life to raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest so no other family has to endure the loss she suffered with the death of her son.
Coming Sunday, see a day in the life of Michigan City Police Officer Brian Wright.
“There is no doubt that the passage of HEA 1040 — Jake’s Law — will save lives in Indiana,” said West, founder of the Play for Jake Foundation.
“This law will help further educate and train individuals on the critical signs and symptoms leading to SCA so that we can prevent these tragedies from happening.”
The measure was approved 88-0 by the House and 37-13 in the Senate. It now goes to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to be signed into law.
Gallery: Jake West tribute
Gallery: Jake West tribute
Football players and fans from all over the region honored the memory of Jake West, the LaPorte football player who died during practice Wednesday night.
LaPorte players, from left, Mike Ash, Drew Kessler, Noah Boardman and John Shuble bring the jersey of Jake West to the coin toss before the game against Merrillville. West, 17, died in September after collapsing at football practice.
LaPorte head coach Bob Schellinger, along with players and the gathered crowd, observes a moment of silence for his player, Jake West, before the game against Merrillville. West, a junior, died during practice Wednesday night.
Andrean fans where orange as a tribute to Jake West, the fallen LaPorte High School football player who died this week.
Merrillville senior cheerleader Yvonya Randle wears an orange arm band Friday night in honor of LaPorte player Jake West during a moment of silence before the Pirate's homecoming game against LaPorte.
Merrillville players wore Jake West's No. 26 on helmet to honor the LaPorte player who died during a Slicer practice Wednesday in LaPorte.
River Forest's Luis Cordero has the number on the back of his helmet remembering Jake West of LaPorte during the game at Wheeler High School Friday night. The Wheeler Bearcats hosted the River Forest Ingots.
Lake Central along with Michigan City players' helmets had a No. 26 attached Friday night in memory of Jake West, a LaPorte football player who died earlier this week.
Hobart senior Layne Watts,left, ties an orange ribbon on the wrist of Autumn Beal prior to the Brickies' home game against Lowell on Friday. Many fans and players wore orange in honor of LaPorte's Jake West who died during practice earlier this week.
Hobart players run onto the field wearing orange leggings prior to the start of their home game against Lowell on Friday. Players on both teams wore the socks in honor of LaPorte's Jake West who died during practice earlier this week.
Crown Point's Jonathan Imburgia takes a knee with teammates as they have a moment of silence for LaPorte football player Jake West, who passed away earlier in the week.
Lake Central players hold hands in a moment of silence before the start of the Michigan City game Friday night for LaPorte football player Jake West who died earlier this week.
Chesterton fans, donning orange in tribute of LaPorte football player Jake West who died Wednesday during football practice, cheer for their team on Friday during their game against Portage High School.
Chesterton fans, donning orange in tribute of LaPorte football player Jake West who died Wednesday during football practice, cheer for their team on Friday during their game against Portage High School.
The entire Boone Grove football team and the coaches wore an orange dot on their helmets Friday night to show their support for LaPorte football player Jake West. He died Wednesday night during football practice.
The Boone Grove cheerleaders wore orange hair ribbons in as a sign of support for Jake West, the football player from LaPorte who died Wednesday during practice.
Merrillville players shake hands with the LaPorte team before their game Friday night.
Merrillville players observe a moment of silence on the field before the game against LaPorte Friday night.
Hobart players run onto the field before last year's game with Lowell. Both teams wore orange socks in honor of LaPorte's Jake West. Tonight, the Brickies will face the Slicers in LaPorte's first home game on its new turf at a renovated Kiwanis Field.
LaPorte players, from left, Mike Ash, Drew Kessler, Noah Boardman and John Shuble bring the jersey of Jake West to the coin toss before the game against Merrillville last season. Slicers coach Bob Schellinger said the team bonded and matured through the experience, carrying over their motto, 'Count on Me', to this season.
Dan Carden
Chief Political Reporter
Dan has reported on Indiana state government for The Times since 2009. He also covers casinos, campaigns and corruption.
