He doesn't deserve to die.

[ChalaElise]

A boy is in the hospital tonight.  He has been there for two days.  He had a heat stroke on a Gainesville, TX baseball field.  It was his first day of practice.

His body temperature was at 107 degrees.  Last night his liver and kidneys shut down. He now has a 5% chance of survival. Hes 18 years old.

I have known this boy for a huge part of my life.  He played baseball with my younger brother for years.  I love this kid like a brother.  He is funny and kind, and he is loved by so many.  He always liked to think of himself as a ladies man, which is why he went to prom with two girls.  One of the funniest guys I've met in my life.

His name is Josh Fant.  He is an amazing baseball player, a pitcher.  He loves the game.

And it is all going to be taken away.

The "coaches" said that the boys were allowed as many water breaks as they needed and they were not being worked overly hard because the heat index was at 103 degrees.  I know how baseball coaches treat those players.  Its "Do what I say. NOW! Don't be a pussy, or you wont play!"  I've seen this treatment to my brother and many others over the years.

 Now someone has to be held accountable. For endangering this boy.  Precautions needed to made, shorter workouts on days too hot to breathe.  They should be looking out for these boys. These children.

 My brother has been up there since it happened.  He has slept for 2 hours.  There is a hallway full of friends, family and parents each hoping that he is stronger than this.

He will not make it.  His body is destroyed. 

His whole life before him. 

Hes a wonderful boy, brother, friend, son.  We will keep hoping.  There are prayers and messages of love on his Myspace page that he probably won't ever see...

Josh Fant does not deserve this.

[tharealty2]

Aug. 29, 2007 at 2:36 AM My heart goes out to you, and everyon affected by this loss.  At this time,. no words can comfort.  Know you are in my prayers.

[shanna7313]

Aug. 29, 2007 at 2:37 AM

I am sorry. Here in FL if it is above 100 most counties stop outside practices...

[zachsmom900]

Aug. 29, 2007 at 4:05 AM

This young man will be in my prayers.  My heart goes out for all of his family and friends.  I live about 45min from Gainesville, in Pilot Point.

[dawnjohnson5]

Aug. 29, 2007 at 10:39 AM God Bless you guys.  I have an 11 year old baseball player and the coaches on his select team are that way too.  I will pray for you and your family and for GOD to take care of Josh and his family.  Let me know if you need to talk.  And your right...it should not have happened. 

[txmom842]

Aug. 29, 2007 at 11:52 AM

All I can offer is my prayers....to read this is breaking my heart. I have a 7yo son and can't imagine how i would feel if it was my son. Please let the family know that prayers are being sent .

Please keep us posted -

[shawnbr]

Aug. 29, 2007 at 11:30 PM God bless this young man and his family and you and all his dear friends.

[AnarchyXmommy]

Sep. 24, 2007 at 11:45 AM I didn't know u knew him... I'm soo sorry, tell ur bro I'm sorry too! I read about Josh in the paper, I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him.   : * (     Again... soooo sorry hun! How's every1 holding up now?