Outpouring of Emotion After Ohio High School Football Player Succumbs to Injury
Andre Jackson
— -- A 17-year-old Ohio high school football player died on Sunday after being injured in a game on Friday, reports WEWS-TV, a local ABC affiliate.
Andre Jackson, a junior fullback and outside linebacker from Euclid High School, near Cleveland, was injured during a special teams play in Friday night's game, his coach said.
"It was a pooch kick," Euclid coach Jeff Rotsky told WEWS. "He was going for the ball, and their guys were going for the ball, and I think he got kicked or kneed."
Rotsky said the incident happened during a "completely normal" special teams play.
The school district said Jackson walked off the field after the play, went to the hospital and was later released.
The cause of death is still unknown.
Heartfelt condolences came quickly after news of the teen's death on Sunday.
Rotsky said it was Jackson's bright smile and constant kindness that friends and teammates talked most about.
"He is irreplaceable," said Rotsky. "There will never be a smile like Andre Jackson’s. No matter how much you asked him to do, he would do it for you. That’s the type of young man we unfortunately lost today.”
Euclid High School issued an official statement:
Today, Euclid High School junior Andre L. Jackson passed away following an injury sustained during Friday night's football game. Andre was a hardworking student-athlete that brought smiles to all those with whom he came in contact. The Euclid City School District would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the Jackson family during this horrific time.
Solon City school district, Euclid's opponent on Friday, issued this statement to parents and students about Jackson's death:
The Solon Schools are mourning the loss tonight of Euclid High School student Andre L. Jackson, who passed away earlier today. A junior and member of the Panthers football team, Andre was 17. He sustained an injury in Friday night's game against the Comets. The cause of his death is yet unknown. Everyone in the Solon Comets athletic program and the Solon Schools sends prayers and thoughts of comfort to Andre's family, friends, teammates, coaches as well as the Euclid High School and Euclid communities. Counselors will be available this week for our Solon students who want to talk or need additional support.
Teammates, classmates, friends and rivals took to Twitter to express their grief using the hashtag #RIPandre:
Euclid High School was scheduled to host its homecoming game Friday night, WEWS reports, but officials said they are unsure whether the game will still be played.