Esko Football Player Dies of Cardiac Event

In an email to Esko families and staff, the Esko Schools Administration said sophomore, Jackson Pfister, passed away after receiving emergency medical care for a cardiac event that occurred near the end of the Esko varsity football game in Aitkin, in which he was playing.

According to the email, further details and the exact cause of death are unavailable at this time.

His mom is a third grade teacher at Winterquist Elementary and his brother is a seventh grader at Esko High School.  

On Sunday, Esko Public Schools opened up their doors for 7th through 12th grade students and staff to gather in an informal way to grieve and process the loss. Counseling staff and clergy were present to provide support.  

A priest who attended the gathering said that there were about 50 students present and that resources are being made readily available for their grief and healing.

The school said campus grief and trauma support services will also be available as needed for students on Monday.