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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2009

Preps: Michigan wrestler dies after collapsing at practice

Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Authorities say a 17-year-old student has died after collapsing during wrestling practice at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills.

The Detroit Free Press reports Zachary Johnston collapsed Friday at the school in suburban Detroit. WDIV-TV reports the teen was taking part in wrestling practice.

WWJ-AM reports that the results of an autopsy indicate Johnston died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease in which a portion of the heart muscle is thickened without any obvious cause.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner's office has listed the cause of death as natural.

The school's Web site says classes at the school were to resume Monday following midwinter break.