A 14-year-old high school football player in Alabama died this week after collapsing during a grueling practice in intense heat. The player, identified as Semaj Wilkins by the Coffee County Coroner, was a freshman at New Brockton High School.
The school has confirmed his identity, according to Daily Mail. “I am asking the community to continue to be in prayer for his family, his teammates, his coaches, and all affected by the tragic loss of Mr. Wilkins,” Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham said in a statement.
Wilkins experienced a medical emergency around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, during a high-risk level-3 heat advisory when temperatures were near 100 degrees. Despite the extreme conditions, players told WDHN that they support the school’s heat safety protocols.
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The School has assembled a crisis response team, including pastors and counselors, to support students following the incident.
“Our hearts are broken for the family’s loss, and our prayers are with them as they mourn,” Coffee County School said in a statement
The local DA’s office and Sheriff’s department have launched a probe into the incident.
“This is a very emotional time for the family and emergency responders involved,” said coroner Woodham. “Please respect and pray for the family during this difficult time.”
U.S. Representative Barry Moore, a Coffee County native, expressed his grief on social media, joining the community in mourning the loss of Wilkins.
“[My wife] Heather and I are praying for our friends in New Brockton after the passing of a young football player this afternoon,” Moore said.
Further details about Wilkins’ death are anticipated soon.
A GoFundMe page has been created to cover his funeral expenses.
If his death is attributed to heat, he would join the ranks of 157 football players who have died from exertional heat strokes since 1960, according to The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research.
