Shawn Nupolu, an eighth-grader at Cedar Rapids Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy, died this month from malaria after visiting his home in Liberia.
Nupolu, 15, was an athlete who played at Metro Youth Football in Cedar Rapids. According to Metro Youth Football, Nupolu recently reunited with his family in Africa after eight years. After he returned to Cedar Rapids, he became sick and was taken to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.
“Despite the doctors’ best efforts, Shawn lost his battle with the disease and passed away,” according to a message on the Metro Youth Football Association’s website.
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Nupolu most likely contracted malaria while overseas, according to the Metro Youth Football Association.
Nupolu earned the nickname “cheetah” because he was always the fastest kid on the field, according to the statement. He had several siblings and extended family in Cedar Rapids.
Nupolu’s coaches and teammates remember him as a kind, compassionate, appreciative, humble, hardworking and fun person to be around, according to the statement.
The Metro Youth Football Association is accepting donations to support Nupolu’s family, including his hospital bills and other related costs. Contributions can be made online at tinyurl.com/ShawnNupolu
Nupolu, 15, was an athlete who played at Metro Youth Football in Cedar Rapids. According to Metro Youth Football, Nupolu recently reunited with his family in Africa after eight years. After he returned to Cedar Rapids, he became sick and was taken to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.
“Despite the doctors’ best efforts, Shawn lost his battle with the disease and passed away,” according to a message on the Metro Youth Football Association’s website.
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Nupolu most likely contracted malaria while overseas, according to the Metro Youth Football Association.
Nupolu earned the nickname “cheetah” because he was always the fastest kid on the field, according to the statement. He had several siblings and extended family in Cedar Rapids.
Nupolu’s coaches and teammates remember him as a kind, compassionate, appreciative, humble, hardworking and fun person to be around, according to the statement.
The Metro Youth Football Association is accepting donations to support Nupolu’s family, including his hospital bills and other related costs. Contributions can be made online at tinyurl.com/ShawnNupolu
Cedar Rapids 8th grader dies of malaria
Shawn Nupolu, 15, a student at Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy, died this month after battling malaria at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital
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