With a possible state tournament berth only weeks away, Highland High's boys' basketball team called off practice Saturday.
Teammate Shawn Thorell, 16, died Saturday morning from head injuries sustained in a fall Friday from the school cafeteria roof at 2166 S. 1300 East.Thorell and five friends had climbed to the roof of the Sugar House school about 9:15 p.m. to look at the city lights. Earlier that day, the 6-foot-4-inch junior had competed with the Ram's junior-varsity squad in a hard-fought loss to Viewmont.
Highland principal Charles Shackett said he was uncertain about the exact sequence of events. "But I think the guys must have climbed up the (side wall) pillars to the top of the cafeteria roof, then climbed an attached access ladder to the top of the gymnasium roof."
The group descended moments later. One of the teens shimmied to the ground, followed closely by four others. Waiting on the cafeteria roof for his friends to reach the bottom, Thorell lost his footing and fell approximately 20 feet, according to a Salt Lake police report.
Rescue teams transported Thorell to the University Hospital.
Highland students are prohibited from climbing on the roof, said Shackett.
Thorell's death was felt by family members and classmates alike.
Alan Thorell called his son "a straight arrow" who never touched drugs, alcohol or tobacco. "Living the principles of the (LDS) church has always been very important to Shawn," he said.
An accomplished pianist and artist, Thorell split his time between homework, basketball and designing the commemorative poster for the school musical, "My Fair Lady."
"Shawn's a great kid," said Shackett. "He's been a good all-around student. He's very popular with the other students - and he never got into any trouble."