A high school quarterback tragically passed away after sustaining a head injury during a game in Alabama, according to reports on Monday. Caden Tellier, 16, was injured on Friday night while playing for John T. Morgan Academy in Selma during a matchup against Southern Academy.
Tellier was carrying the ball in the third quarter when he was tackled. According to Dallas County Coroner William Dailey, Tellier was nearly able to evade his opponent but fell after being tackled at the ankles. “He went down, landing on his elbow, and his head hit the ground,” Dailey noted. Witnesses indicated that the fall was not a violent one.
After the incident, Tellier began to stagger toward the sideline, and while trainers were evaluating him for a concussion, he became unresponsive after vomiting, as stated by Dailey. He was initially taken to Vaughan Regional Medical Center and later airlifted to UAB Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away. Dailey mentioned that preliminary findings suggest that internal bleeding in the brain, resulting from the fall, was the likely cause of death.
Caden’s mother, Arsella Slagel Tellier, shared in a Facebook post that her son was known for his kindness and generosity. She expressed that although he had passed, he would continue to make a difference as an organ donor.
A GoFundMe page created to assist with funeral costs has raised $75,000 of its $100,000 goal, stating that Tellier suffered from a “traumatic brain injury.” His father, Jamie Tellier, expressed gratitude for the support received from individuals nationwide, highlighting his son’s fulfilling and joyful life despite its brevity.
Morgan Academy’s headmaster, Dr. Bryan Oliver, remarked on the deep sense of loss within the school community. He described Caden as a true embodiment of faith and light at the academy, which has an enrollment of approximately 350 students.
Michael McLendon, director of the Alabama Independent School Association, supported the school’s decision to suspend classes and activities for the week to allow students and staff to grieve and come together during this difficult period.
Caden Tellier’s death adds to a troubling trend of fatalities involving high school football players. Recent years have seen several incidents, including a West Texas player who died from a head injury in 2022 and others who have collapsed or suffered fatal injuries during practices or games in various states.