texas

North Texas Boy Scout Dies on Backpacking Trip

A North Texas family is grieving the unexpected loss of their son. Reid Comita, 15, a student at Central High School in Keller, collapsed this week while on a Boy Scouts trip in West Texas.

Reid had been on his way to Eagle Scouts status when he died, most likely of heat stroke.

"It was awful. I mean, it was awful," said Reid's father, John Comita, about getting the call Sunday afternoon that something was wrong.

John Comita said he does not blame the Boy Scouts.

"I'm grateful. I'm grateful for all of them. The Scouting community is fantastic," he said.

Reid collapsed at the Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch, where the temperature Sunday reached 105 degrees. His parents are awaiting autopsy results for the exact cause of death.

John Comita said his son loved the Scouts and lived it.

"A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent," the father said. "He was all those."

Reid was on the trip to get his final badge needed for Eagle Scout rank. His father and a neighbor plan to finish Reid's community project: a playground at a local battered women's shelter.

John Comita said his son loved the Scouts and singing. The family's computer is filled with photos and video clips through the years. In one video taken five years ago, Reid sings from the musical "Oliver" in a clear tenor voice.

"Where is love?" he sang, as his father watched the computer image and cried. "It's right there. That's where love is."

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