High school football player dies after ‘clean tackle’ in scrimmage practice
Family says they are ‘absolutely heartbroken’ as they arrange teenager’s funeral
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.A Kentucky high school football player has died after suffering a head injury from a “clean tackle” during a scrimmage.
Andrew Dodson, 17, who played tight and defensive ends suffered an injury during his Maroons football team’s spring game on Friday (31 March).
The teenager was completing his junior year at Pulaski County High School in Somerset, Kentucky.
Dodson’s family said they are “absolutely heartbroken” in a statement following the announcement of his death, reported WKYT.
“Andrew was full of life and love. He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved football, but above all he loved His Savior,” the statement said.
Announcing his death, Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) said: “No words can explain, justify or rationalize tragedies such as these. We only ask for peace and comfort to all around him.”
"KHSAA is a family of its member schools, their administrators, coaches, teachers and fans. But most importantly and as the primary focus, the student-athletes. Andrew Dodson was a member of this family," it added.
Andrew’s father Alan Dodson told the Lexington Herald-Leader on Sunday that his son was wearing a helmet when he was running the ball during his Maroon and White game. But Andrew’s head hit the turf when he was tackled by a teammate and suffered blunt-force trauma to the brain.
“It was not a violent hit or helmet-to-helmet. It was a simple, clean tackle,” Mr Dodson said. “His head hit the turf, and Andrew suffered blunt-force trauma to the brain.”
The teenager underwent a surgery at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital but he never came back to consciousness.
The family is making a funeral arrangement for Dodson which will take place on Friday at the Center for Rural Development.
The tragic death comes almost three months after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game at Cincinnati and had to be resuscitated. He was discharged from the hospital after two days and a series of tests.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments