RIP Jacob Morris (Teen CrossFit Games Athlete) Passed Away After Heart Surgery

Fitness Vloggers has to report some heartbreaking news with the passing of Jacob Morris, a teen athlete who competed in the 16-17 division at the 2019 CrossFit Games back in August 2019. He even placed 7th at the event although he was competing with a pre-existing heart condition. 

Before passing away he wrote the following on Instagram:

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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. ⁣ ⁣ #heartwarrior #rossprocedure #col323 #crossfit #crossfitgamesathlete

A post shared by Jacob Morris (@jacobmorris2001) on Dec 9, 2019 at 7:07am PST

His little sister broke the news on his Instagram.

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My dearest Big Brother. My Best Friend. My Role Model. An Inspiration to almost every person that crosses your path. And even though you’re gone physically, it doesn’t mean spiritually. You have given me, and everyone here memories we will never forget. You were definitely the most amazing human being I’ve ever met. You had the highest confidence in yourself, and others. You would light up every room you walked in. You’re pot jokes were both hilarious and awkward. You had the best sense of humor. And I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, but I know you’re probably yelling at me from Heaven. You’re probably saying, stop being so over dramatic, I’m still here Riles. But I can’t see you, you’re not here physically. And I miss you, so so much. And I’m still gonna feel empty, and sad, and mad. But I’m also happy, I’m happy you’re safe in His arms, I’m happy you eating all of your favorite food, doing all the handstand walks and muscle ups, and I’m happy that you’re wearing your Jesus Crocs, but I’m mainly happy that you’re happy. I know you’re so happy, and your confidence is probably higher then ever. You’re the best big brother any girl could ever ask for. You’re my inspiration, I want to be just like you when I grow up, you’re my Buba, my big brother, my best friend, my role model, and I have so many other ways I can explain what you meant to me. Thank you for always being there. For always making me laugh. For always lifting sprits. For all the inside jokes. For always talking to me. For telling me everything about you and Gabbi. Thank you for everything. I love you so so so much. • “Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.” • “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” ~ Colossians 3:23 • – Love your little sister, your best friend, Riles. • • • #jacobharden #heartwarrior #col323 #ryliejore #event1morris

A post shared by Jacob Morris (@jacobmorris2001) on Dec 14, 2019 at 7:25pm PST