James Phillippe, a high school student-athlete and native of Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 15, leaving his parents and loved ones devastated.
The 15-year-old James Wesson ‘Wes‘ Phillippe was a student and track & field star at Somerset High School.
According to reports, James collapsed on Monday, March 3, 2024, during track practice at Meece Middle School in Somerset.
He was immediately taken to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital and was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, where he passed away on Tuesday.
Similarly, an EMS report stated that Phillippe was unresponsive and pulseless when first responders arrived and was immediately taken to the hospital.
James Phillippe’s tragic and untimely death has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends.
He excelled in both sports and academics at Somerset High School and was loved by all for his kind and cheerful nature.
James had an immense love and passion for sports and thrived in wrestling and running track, often participating in local 5k events.
Somerset High School and the entire Somerset, Kentucky, community mourn the tragic death of their beloved James Phillippe.
Moreover, Kyle Lively, the superintendent of Somerset Independent Schools, expressed his sorrow over Phillippe’s passing in a statement.
He wrote,
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends during this difficult time. As a school community, we stand together to support each other and honor the memory of a student who will always be a part of the Somerset family.”
Similarly, the Somerset Track and Field community extended their heartfelt condolences and prayers to Phillippe through their official social media page.
The post reads,
“With heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of our teammate. Wes was a great kid and athlete with a promising future on the track team. He was well loved and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. 💜”
Somerset Track & Field
James Phillippe is survived by his parents, five siblings, and his entire family!
The late Somerset High School star athlete James Wesson ‘Wes‘ Phillippe was born on November 21, 2009, to mother Marrisa Handley and father James Casey Phillippe.
The tragic passing of their beloved son James Phillippe has left his parents, Marrisa Handley and James Casey Phillippe, devastated.
Moreover, Marrisa Handley took to her social media to announce the death of her son James, aka Wes Phillippe.
She wrote that James passed away around 1 am on Tuesday morning after suffering a cardiac event during track practice.
Marissa further added that James was such a special child; he was a wonderful son.
Lastly, she stated, “I will love and miss you with all of my heart and forever, you are and always will be my greatest thing in my life.“
Regarding his mother, Marrisa Handley owns Lake Cumberland Bookkeeping, a remote accounting firm in Somerset, Kentucky.
She established Lake Cumberland Bookkeeping in November 2016 and is also a Quickbooks Online Pro Advisor with over 20 years of bookkeeping experience for multiple businesses.
Marrisa is married to James Phillippe’s stepfather, Ben Handley.
Marissa earned her bachelor of science in business administration and management from Midway University.
While his father, Casey Phillippe, is grieving and hasn’t shared anything yet, his stepmother Kristie Phillippe’s social media is filled with prayers and condolences from loved ones.
In addition to his parents, James Phillippe is survived by his five siblings, Isaac Goodin, Rachel (Brandon) Kelly, Ben Handley III, Alicia Delvaux, and Justin Handley.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- A funeral service for James Phillippe will be held at 1 P.M., Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the chapel of Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with Bro. Lynville Hatter Officiating.
- His burial will be done at Dunham Cemetery in the Waltown Community.
- The late James Phillippe’s father, Casey Phillippe, is the title specialist at the County Attorney Office at Waynesburg, Kentucky.
