16-year-old Caden Tellier, a quarterback from Alabama's John T. Morgan Academy High School, passed away this weekend due to a brain injury sustained on opening night of football season, according to local news outlet WFSA.
Caden and the rest of Morgan Academy's football team were playing against Southern Academy on Friday when he "suffered a traumatic brain injury," according to a GoFundMe set up in his honor, as well as Facebook posts from the school itself and the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA).
In a statement to AL.com, head of school Dr. Bryan Oliver said that the injury was the result of a tackle during the game's third quarter in Selma, Alabama.
Caden was rushed to a local hospital soon afterward, according to ABC News, but tragically, he was pronounced dead the next day.
The Selma Times-Journal reported that the game was delayed while the ambulance came to take the teen away.
Tellier's parents later said on social media that their son had "met Jesus face to face."
"We appreciate all of your prayers, and we covet them for the hard days ahead," they said. "Everyone who knows Caden has known kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he is giving of himself one more time."
"Lives have been touched by the way he lived and now lives will be saved through his passing," they continued. "We will walk out these next few days alongside him in his earthly body knowing that his spirit is rejoicing in heaven.”
Kristen Jones, who organized the GoFundMe, also expressed her condolences in the campaign's description. As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe has exceeded its donation goal of $100,000.
According to Jones, Caden was an organ donor.
"True to his nature, he is giving of himself one more time to save the lives of others through the donation of his organs," she said. "His legacy will live on and we thank God that we had the opportunity to love him and be loved by him."
"One way we can minister to the Tellier family as they grieve this tragedy is to cover all of their many medical, life flight, and funeral expenses and time out of work," she explained further. "Thank you for loving on this family as they walk this difficult road. Live like Caden."
Additionally, Oliver shared a statement on Facebook calling Caden a "shining light" who "graced the halls of Morgan Academy."
He said that there were "no words to describe" how the Tellier family and the rest of the school community were feeling.
"We will come together and support Jamie, Arsella and Lyla with our whole hearts," he added. "We offer our deepest sympathy to the Tellier's extended family as well... Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy."
Michael McLendon, Executive Director of AISA, stated via social media that school activities would be suspended for the week to allow the community to "come together, reflect and support one another through this heartbreaking time."
AISA also offered "support and resources" to the school.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, loved ones, and the entire student body at Morgan Academy.
Photo courtesy of Morgan Academy
SUBSCRIBE to WGOLV for all your news and events right to your inbox!!
Check out our EVENTS CALENDAR here
We also have a BUSINESS DIRECTORY and SHOP LOCAL SECTION to support our local business owners!
If you are interested in being a Member, please contact lorilee@wgolv.com
For ADVERTISING, please contact lorilee@wgolv.com
Event and small business promotion is our specialty. Numerous testimonials are available.
WGOLV will work with any sized budget. We are here to help our small business owners throughout the Lehigh Valley and give back to our community through helping raise income for those in need, those with cancer, those experiencing tragedy, blood drives, food drives, animal rescues, supporting our military, Veterans, First responders, K9's, Mounted Patrol and our police departments. We've also helped with missing persons for years (many of whom have been located) and answer messages at all times of the day.
What's going on in the Lehigh Valley is a mom-owned and run business (self-funded)
Any donation would be greatly appreciated - This way we can continue to provide you with the news and information you see each day as well as give back and support our community.
Thank you!
LoriLee,
Owner, Journalist
What's going on in the Lehigh Valley, LLC