We have learned of some truly heartbreaking news with the recent passing of Jacob Morris, a teen athlete who competed in the 16-17 division at the 2019 CrossFit Games back in August. He even placed 7th at the event although he was competing with a pre-existing heart condition.
Well, Morris needed heart surgery last month and it wasn’t easy as he explained in a recent Instagram post a few days before his passing how his surgery went a lot different than it typically does for someone who needs a heart valve replacement. His heart just wasn’t functioning properly although he did see improvements which enabled him to post about his progress.
Looking back at his photos from the surgery, Morris was deeply appreciative of the love and support. He was even planning on getting back to training after the surgery, and the promising young athlete even felt inspired to become a nurse while explaining how this surgery brought him closer to God.
He wrote the following message on Instagram before his passing…
“I haven’t really posted about my surgery. I kind of needed time to process everything. It hasn’t been the easiest 4 weeks. Lots of ups and downs. I do see that I’m making a turn for the better these days and felt it was time to share more.
These photos are of me exactly 4 weeks ago. I really don’t really remember the first few days with all the medication. I also lost a lot of blood and I’m sure that is a factor into how out of it I was. I just remember sleeping a lot.
I know a few people who have had a valve replacement and I can say from what I can see my experience was different. I was in the hospital longer than them. My heart has had a much harder time functioning the way it is supposed to. I also have some stuff going on with my liver and spleen. I’ve been told that could be because of the valve leaking so much.
This story is far from done. I still have 8 more weeks until I’m even cleared to think about working out. Especially with how my heart function is still not where it should be. But today I feel good. I feel healthy. I feel thankful. I feel loved by so many.
Being as vulnerable as I am in these photos really puts things into perspective.
I have never felt closer to God than I do now. I feel like God has been showing me I am so much more than an athlete and good at CrossFit. I feel He is setting a path for me in all of this. I for sure know now I want to be a nurse after experiencing all the amazing nurses at APH.
I am thankful this happened. I know it is making me into who God wants me to be.”
Here are a few photos from his surgery… (click the right arrow to see the other photo).
John Morris was a part of CrossFit Waterside in Orlando, Florida where he was coached by 5x CrossFit athlete Cassady Lance-McWherter, who also set up a GoFundMe page for his family. Over $19,000 of the $15,000 goal has been raised so far.
We’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jacob Morris.
