West Virginia eighth-grader Cohen Craddock is the latest youngster to have their life cut short following an injury on the football field.
Cohen Craddock, an 8th-grade student at Madison Middle School, died over the weekend after sustaining injuries on Friday during football practice.
The 13-year-old was playing defense during practice Friday when he collided with some teammates and was knocked down, according to his father, Ryan, who spoke to WSAZ.
The Madison Middle School student ultimately suffered a brain bleed and swelling, which resulted in a lack of oxygen, Ryan Craddock further explained.
Joseph Smith, executive director of the Boone County Ambulance Authority, told WSAZ that medics responded to Madison Middle School to treat him and took Cohen Craddock to a hospital for further treatment.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
Cohen died at the hospital on Saturday.
Tragic: West Virginia middle school player Cohen Craddock died after taking a hard hit to the head during practice.
HE WAS ONLY 13 YEARS OLD🕊️
“He liked to joke, he liked to make you smile. Big heart; big teddy bear,” his dad said.
Another kid’s life taken playing football💔 pic.twitter.com/850Ne4MAdU
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 27, 2024
The Boone County Ambulance Authority, who responded to the scene, honored the teenager by posting a memorial for Cohen on their Facebook page.
“Today we’re all Redhawks, and our hearts are heavy with the unimaginable loss of a bright young athlete in our community,” the post said.
The Boone County Schools Superintendent Matthew Riggs would release a statement on behalf of the schools.
“The entire Boone County Schools’ community is beginning to mourn the loss of Cohen Craddock, an 8th-grade student at Madison Middle School. As a Redhawk, Cohen was loved by his classmates, his teachers, his administrators, and the entire Madison Middle School staff,” the statement said.
Cohen Craddock Is Just The Latest Tragic Death of Young People Fr The Sport
Cohen Craddock’s unfortunate death comes amid a handful of cases that have generated headlines around the country as football season is getting underway.
In Alabama, Caden Tellier, the quarterback for Morgan Academy, unfortunately, suffered a brain injury and tragically died the next day as well.
That death was then followed by 14-year-old Semaj Wilkins, who suffered a medical emergency during football practice and passed away.
Rest peace to Caden Tellier, Cohen Craddock, and Semaj Wilkins.
