A high school football player from the Florida Panhandle has tragically died after collapsing during an away game on Friday, school officials confirmed.
Chance Gainer, a senior at Port St. Joe High School, collapsed just before halftime while playing at Liberty County High School in Bristol, Florida, according to Port St. Joe Principal Sissy Godwin, who spoke with NPR on Saturday.
Gainer, who had just turned 18 last month, was quickly taken to a nearby hospital but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Jim Norton, the Gulf District Schools Superintendent, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling Gainer’s death a “tragic loss.” Norton described Gainer as not only a talented athlete but also as a beloved teammate and an outstanding young man. “He loved Jesus and brought warmth and genuineness that drew people to him,” Norton added.
Principal Godwin shared a touching memory of Gainer, noting, “You may not have always heard Chance in a crowd, but his smile could light up a room.”
In the aftermath of Gainer’s passing, the close-knit community of Port St. Joe came together to support his family. Friends, staff, and clergy gathered at the high school to offer their condolences, and the Gainer family joined them. “We want the Gainer family to know they are not alone in this heartbreaking moment,” Norton said in a statement.
Gainer’s passing is one of several recent tragedies in the world of youth football. Over the past month, at least seven other middle and high school players have died during or after practices and games, many of them in extreme heat. Two of those deaths were linked to head injuries.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with youth sports and the importance of safety measures to protect young athletes.
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