Oklahoma high school football player drowns in shower

Monday, November 8th 2004, 5:38 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A Maud high school senior who died on Aug. 30 drowned in his shower after apparently suffering a seizure, the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's office said Monday.

Kevin Rowland, chief investigator for the Medical Examiner's office, said Faryss Coody, 17, had a history of a seizure disorder. The autopsy also showed he had an enlarged heart.

He had participated in a light football practice before his death.

Coody had passed a physical exam before the start of the football season, said school superintendent J.E. Pryor.

He said that while this was Coody's first year to play football, he had played basketball and baseball without any medical problems.

Coody's death was a shock to this community of about 1,000 people about 60 miles southeast of Oklahoma City.

"We felt like it was natural causes but everyone was waiting to find out what caused his death," Pryor said. "Maybe now the kids can have closure."

The high school's football team honored Coody's parents at Friday night's game and dedicated it to the boy's memory. Maud beat Allen 34-7.