An Alabama high school football player died Saturday after suffering a brain injury at his team's home opener Friday night.
Morgan Academy junior quarterback Caden Tellier was hit in the head during the third quarter of his team's 30-22 win against Southern Academy in Selma, Alabama. He was flown by helicopter to the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham.
Morgan Academy Principal Bryan Oliver told Fox News Digital that Tellier died from his injuries Saturday night.
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A bench on a football field. (Steve Nurenberg/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS)
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Caden Tellier has gone to be with his Lord and Savior. Caden loved the Lord with all his heart and was a bright light each day that graced the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete, and most importantly, a follower of Christ,” Oliver said.
“There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family. We will rally around and support Jamie, Arsella, and Lyla with all our hearts. We also offer our deepest condolences to the extended Tellier family. I want to thank all the schools and individuals who have reached out during this difficult time. Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy.”
There was confusion on social media Saturday morning about Tellier's health when a statement from Alabama Association of Independent Schools Executive Director Michael McLendon was posted on the association's Facebook page. The initial statement, which was posted before noon ET, indicated that the school had suffered a “tragic loss” in connection with Tellier.
However, that post was deleted and replaced with a new statement posted around 1:20 p.m. ET, which clarified that Tellier had suffered a “tragic injury” and was in critical condition at the time. However, he died later that day.
McLendon added that the school is “suspending” all school activities for the next week.
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“As a small school, Morgan Academy feels this tragedy even more deeply, and the Alabama Association of Independent Schools is here to offer all the support and resources necessary to support them in their grief,” she said.
Tellier played both football and baseball at Morgan Academy. During his first year as a varsity starter as a sophomore in 2023, he threw for 1,228 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in eight games. In baseball last spring, he hit .311 with two home runs and 10 RBIs.
Tellier's death comes just nine days after a fellow Alabama high school football player, Semaj Wilkins, 14, a freshman at New Brockton High School, died on Aug. 15 after collapsing during practice.
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