A 16-year-old high school football player in Alabama has tragically passed away after suffering critical injuries during a game. Caden Tellier, a junior at Morgan Academy, was injured during the third quarter of a match against Southern Academy in Selma on Friday night. The headmaster of Morgan Academy, Bryan Oliver, confirmed that the quarterback sustained a brain injury and was quickly airlifted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
The Tellier family shared the heartbreaking news of his death on social media. In their statement on Facebook, they expressed their gratitude for the prayers received and reflected on Caden’s generous spirit, saying, “Our boy, Caden Tellier has met Jesus face to face… Lives have been touched by the way he lived and now lives will be saved through his passing.”
Michael McClendon, the Executive Director of the Alabama Independent School Association, informed CBS News that Caden may have suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his brain due to a routine play. He emphasized that the school is still gathering information regarding the incident and it may take some time to learn more about his injury.
In an official statement on the school’s Facebook page, Oliver also mourned the loss of Caden, describing him as a “shining light” at Morgan Academy. He acknowledged the deep sorrow felt by the school community, stating, “There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family. Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy.”
In response to this tragedy, the school has decided to suspend all sports activities for the upcoming week, including a scheduled football game against Wilcox Academy.