A 16-year-old Los Angeles high school football player died more than a week after he suffered a critical brain injury during a game and was rushed to a local hospital last month, according to reports.
South East High School announced on Wednesday that one of its students, Christopher Garcia, died after he was injured while tackling an opposing player during a junior varsity game on Aug. 23, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Medical personnel on hand for the game immediately helped the boy, and the rest of the game was called off, the newspaper reported.
“I was kneeling down and praying that this kid can get healthy and get back us,” said Maywood varsity coach Cesar Trillo, whose JV program was playing in the contest against Garcia and his squad.
A Los Angeles Unified School District spokesperson told USA Today Garcia suffered a brain injury during the game. A GoFundMe page set up to help with funeral costs also said Garcia sustained the brain injury.
“Christopher was a vibrant and passionate young man who brought joy and energy to everyone around him,” a family friend wrote on the fundraising page.
“As a dedicated high school football player, he was known for his enthusiasm on and off the field. Beyond his athletic talents, Christopher was a loving son, sibling, and a loyal friend.
“His loss leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.”
A pair of medical professionals were on hand for the game, as required by the district, USA Today reported.
“On behalf of our entire school community, I want to offer my deepest condolences,” South East principal Eric Jaimes reportedly wrote to the school community. “…Every member of the South East High School community matters and this loss impacts us all.
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