A tragic event unfolded in Alabama as high school football player Caden Tellier passed away on Saturday, just a day after suffering a critical brain injury during a game. The 16-year-old junior and quarterback for Morgan Academy was injured during the third quarter of Friday night’s game against Southern Academy in Selma.

According to Morgan Academy’s headmaster, Bryan Oliver, Tellier sustained a brain injury after being tackled while carrying the ball. The injury, which is believed to be a ruptured blood vessel in his brain, left Tellier in critical condition. He was immediately airlifted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital for emergency care. Despite medical efforts, Tellier succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, as announced by his family on social media.

In a heartfelt statement, Tellier’s family expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude for the support they have received: “Our boy, Caden Tellier, has met Jesus face to face. We appreciate all of your prayers, and we covet them for the hard days ahead.” They also emphasized the impact Caden had on those around him, saying, “Everyone who knows Caden has known kindness, generosity, and love. Lives have been touched by the way he lived, and now lives will be saved through his passing.”

The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) Executive Director, Michael McClendon, provided further details, stating that Tellier’s injury likely resulted from a routine play. However, he noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and more information may take time to emerge.

Morgan Academy, deeply affected by the loss, shared their grief on the school’s Facebook page, describing Tellier as a “shining light” within their community. “There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family,” the statement read. “Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy.”

Tellier was not only a talented football player but also excelled in baseball, making his mark as a two-sport athlete at Morgan Academy. His death comes amid other recent tragedies in Alabama high school football, including the death of 14-year-old Semaj Wilkins, who collapsed during practice earlier in August.

In response to the tragedy, Morgan Academy has canceled all sports activities for the upcoming week, including their scheduled football game at Wilcox Academy. The school community continues to mourn the loss of a young athlete whose life ended far too soon.