How did Max Sorenson die? Wyoming basketball player, 17, had a 'freakish medical situation'

May 20, 2024

CAMPBELL COUNTY, WYOMING: A 17-year-old budding basketball player tragically died following a medical emergency at his Gillette home on December 26, 2022. Max Sorenson was rushed to Campbell County Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead hours later.

Campbell County coroner Paul Wallem reported the cause of Soreson’s death as peritonitis, an infection of the tissue that lines the abdomen, according to the Cowboy State Daily. Wallem said, "We are assuming it’s (from) an injury related to a sporting event." He added that he was "focused on the injuries in the sports event as the cause of peritonitis" but stated the conclusion is not backed by medical data.

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An obituary for Sorenson, a junior at Thunder Basin High School, also noted the teen died "due to complications from injuries sustained playing basketball." "Max had an incredible work ethic and was very disciplined. His focus was evidenced by his achievements at school, on the basketball court, at church, and in his social activities. Even more important than those successes were his welcoming smile, kind eyes, curly locks, and loving personality, which made friendship with him easy and comfortable and was felt by everyone," the obituary read.

Sorenson's parents said he was a "smart, hard-working student, he maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA." He also played golf and was a wakesurfer and wakeboarder. "Max loved his savior and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He attended early-morning seminary and served as the bishop’s first assistant in his Gillette ward as well as other leadership positions in the church," his parents said, according to The Blaze.

Thunder Basin boys’ basketball team pay a moving tribute to Max Sorenson

Sorenson was a 6'3" guard weighing 175 lbs. Following his tragic death, the Thunder Basin boys’ basketball team paid moving tribute to him, with the coach, Rory Williams describing his death as a "tragic loss." "I'm not going to remember Max as the basketball player. I'm going to remember Max as the kindest young man I’ve ever been around. He was just so genuine, authentic; his personality was contagious," Williams reportedly said, adding that his sudden death was a "freakish medical situation."

We would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Thunder Basin basketball team who are playing with heavy hearts after the sudden passing of Max Sorenson pic.twitter.com/ggy9asvUsN

— Hoop City Classic (@HoopCityClassic) December 28, 2022

The Thunder Basin High School boys’ basketball team recently honored Sorenson by wearing his #3 jersey, during the recent Hoop City Classic basketball tournament. The Harrisburg High School boys' basketball team also paid tribute to him by wearing his #3.

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