The tragic death of a nine-year-old boy has sent shockwaves through the basketball community in WA -left devastated by his unexpected death.
According to Basketball WA, the young boy had been playing in the under-11s State Championships at Warwick Stadium on Saturday morning when he came off for a scheduled break and collapsed.
It's thought the Lakeside Lightning player suffered from a heart attack and despite attempts from paramedics to resuscitate him he was rushed to Joondalup Hospital where he later died.
Police have subsequently called for witnesses to the incident to come forward as the Coronial Investigations Squad looks into the sudden death.
In a statement Steve Bezant, the director of Lakeside Lightning, said the community was devastated by the tragedy but focus had now shifted to give as much support as possible to the young boy's family.
"The Lakeside community is shocked and saddened by this tragic news – we all got up this morning excited about a weekend of basketball and this is something you would never expect to happen," he said.
"Now we are dealing with the fact that one of our young players - a valued member of our community - has had his life taken in such a tragic way at such a young age.
"We are all devastated right now and can only imagine what the family are going through at this moment. Our focus is to do everything we can to support them and the rest of the Lakeside community who we know will be hurting as well."
Our thoughts are with the family of the boy who died today after collapsing at Warwick Stadium.
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) December 3, 2016
Stand together, WA basketball family.
Basketball WA also issued a statement following the incident, which occurred just before 11am on Saturday morning.
Rob Clement, the association's Chief Executive, said they too were devastated and shocked by the death but they would make support available for family and the community.
"The incident has shocked the basketball community and is currently subject to a coronial investigation," he said.
"It is devastating news and we can only imagine what the family are going through at this moment. Our focus is to do everything we can to support our volunteers, the teams and the rest of the Lakeside Community who we know will be in shock.
"BWA will also be offering full counselling and support to its volunteers and the Lakeside club and any other members of our community as needed.
"At this point, along with Lakeside Lightning, we really want to respect the privacy of the family and ask that the community does the same.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
The Perth Wildcats earlier offered its condolences, tweeting that the clubs thoughts were with the family.
Police ask that anyone who saw the boy collapse call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au