A few weeks ago we shared an interview we did with Jacob Morris. Morris competed in the Teenage Boys 16-17 division at the 2019 CrossFit Games. Morris placed 7th overall, all while competing with a heart defect.

Last month Morris underwent heart surgery.

Four days ago Morris posted an update on Instagram. In his post Morris said his experience was a little different than other people he had met that also underwent heart valve replacement surgery.

Morris commented, “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 morning we learned that Jacob had passed away due to complications following his heart surgery.

Morris was part of the CrossFit WaterSide family. Cassidy Lance-McWherter, owner of CrossFit WaterSide, coached Morris throughout his journey to the CrossFit Games.

Lance-McWherter has set up a GoFundMe page for Jacob’s family. So far over $4,000 has been donated.