The teenager, who had just signed schoolboy forms with Yorath's former club Leeds United, had an undiagnosed heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Walsall, on a high after their 3-0 win at Millwall last week, faced an Owls side without talented Dutchman Gerald Sibon, who was rested by manager Terry Yorath following two disappointing goalless home draws.