Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alabama high school football player dies from brain injury a day after being hurt during game

Caden Tellier, 16, died on Saturday after he suffered a traumatic brain injury during Friday night’s game at Morgan Academy in Selma, Alabama

Rhian Lubin
Monday 26 August 2024 09:36 EDT
Comments
Caden Tellier, 16, died on Saturday after he suffered a traumatic brain injury
Caden Tellier, 16, died on Saturday after he suffered a traumatic brain injury (John T. Morgan Academy)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An Alabama high school football player has died a day after he suffered a brain injury during a game.

Caden Tellier, 16, was airlifted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital in critical condition after a head injury in Friday’s game at Morgan Academy in Selma, and his death was announced the next day.

According to the school’s headmaster, Dr. Bryan Oliver, the injury occurred during a tackle in the third-quarter of the season opener, AL reports.

“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,” Tellier’s family said in a statement on social media.

Stock image: The school has canceled all athletic activities for the week as a mark of respect
Stock image: The school has canceled all athletic activities for the week as a mark of respect (Shutterstock / David Lee)

The junior’s family also confirmed he is an organ donor. “Caden is best known for his kindness, generosity and love. True to his nature, he is giving of himself one more time to save the lives of others through the donation of his organs,” they said.

Oliver confirmed the school has canceled all athletic activities for the rest of the week, including the football team’s game this Friday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Caden Tellier has gone to be with his Lord and Savior,” he said. “Caden loved the Lord with all his heart and was a shining light every day he graced the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete and most important a Christ follower.

“There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family. We will come together and support Jamie, Arsella and Lyla with our whole hearts. We offer our deepest sympathy to the Tellier’s extended family as well. I want to thank all the schools and individuals that have reached out during this difficult time. Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy.”

A post on GoFundMe to support with Tellier’s funeral arrangements and other medical expenses has raised more than $75,000 so far.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in