PALATKA, Fla. — Tuesday night, the Palatka community gathered to support the family of Robert Gillon III.
An initial autopsy report said the 15-year-old Palatka student athlete died of "natural causes" Tuesday morning, according to the Palatka Police Department.
Gillon III, was found dead after police responded to a residence on Palma Ceia Terrace in reference to a "possible cardiac arrest" at 6:20 a.m. Tuesday.
"He could be in the room with a lot of people, and you would not know that he was there." Gillon's pastor, Karl Flagg, said.
Flagg, the pastor at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, said Gillon was polite and was never the center of attention.
"He had what I call, quiet strength," Flagg said. "Never saw him hyped up about anything unless it was about a football and a goal line."
It was supposed to be the 15-year-old's first varsity football season.
"Anytime you said something to him even if it wasn't something he wanted to hear his only response was yes sir," Gillon's position coach, Bobby Raulerson, said.
An investigation found Robert complained of chest pains Monday before attending football practice, according to police.
"At this time, it appears Robert passed away sometime during the night," police said.
Raulerson said he was unaware Gillon was experiencing chest pains. "He was energetic as he always is and dialed in focused as he always was," Raulerson said.
Putnam County school district superintendent, Dr. Rick Surrency, said the school district staff will be reviewing and collecting information Wednesday.
"To my knowledge, nobody was aware of that [Gillon's chest pains] before practice," Surrency said.
Multiple people have been interviewed and an autopsy has been completed. Police said the investigation did not reveal any signs of foul play, and Robert died of natural causes.
Police noted final toxicology and blood results are still pending, and the investigation remains ongoing as investigators gather more information.
"The Palatka Jr-Sr High School community and Putnam County School District are deeply saddened by the recent passing of a student," Surrency said. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy."
The school canceled all athletic events and activities scheduled for Tuesday.
Gillon's death comes nearly a year after Palatka cheerleader, Baylee Holbrook died after being struck by lightning.