Lake Travis High School is grieving the loss of senior football and wrestling standout Odin Hensley, who died Wednesday night after suffering a cardiac emergency during football practice earlier in the week.
Hensley, 17, collapsed during a team workout around 8 a.m. Monday. He was flown by Travis County STAR Flight to Dell Children’s Medical Center, where he was placed in the intensive care unit.
Despite medical efforts, he passed away days later, leaving his family, teammates and the broader Lake Travis community devastated.
Lake Travis ISD Superintendent Curtis Null notified families and staff of Hensley’s passing in a letter sent Thursday morning.
He described Hensley as a longtime member of the district who began his education at Lake Pointe Elementary School before becoming a standout two-sport competitor at the high school level, excelling in both football and wrestling.
Null’s message noted that teachers and coaches remembered Hensley as a determined and well liked young man whose presence had a lasting impact on those around him.
Hensley wore jersey No. 75 and played offensive line for the Lake Travis Cavaliers varsity squad. He was also deeply involved in the local wrestling scene, building friendships with athletes from nearby schools including Dripping Springs, Westlake, Bowie and Vandegrift through a wrestling club known as 3F.
Family Reflects on a Gentle Giant
In a statement shared with local media, Hensley’s family thanked the community for its outpouring of love and support during an incredibly difficult time. They described him as a gentle giant with a huge heart who was excited for his senior year and had his whole life ahead of him.
The family emphasized how many lives he touched through his kindness, strength and determination.
Head football coach Hank Carter first alerted the community to the emergency on social media Monday, and later called the days that followed an extremely difficult time for the program. \
Around 400 people gathered Wednesday evening at Lake Hills Church for a prayer vigil in Hensley’s honor, where teammates and classmates shared memories and prayers before his death was announced.
Teammates have continued to post tributes online, remembering Hensley as a tough, dedicated player and a true friend both on and off the field. Even players from Westlake, Lake Travis’s longtime rival, reportedly sent handwritten messages of support during his hospitalization.
A GoFundMe campaign established to help Hensley’s family has raised more than 171,000 dollars as of Thursday afternoon, with organizations including Barstool Sports helping spread awareness of the fundraiser.
Lake Travis High School counselors are available this week to support students, staff and families as the community continues to process the loss.
This is a sensitive topic involving the death of a teenager. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, please consider reaching out to a trusted person or a mental health professional for support.
