A community in Alabama is grieving the loss of a high school quarterback who passed away after sustaining a brain injury during his school’s season opener on Friday night, according to statements from the school and the teenager’s family.
Caden Tellier was critically injured and rushed to the hospital following a head injury in John T. Morgan Academy’s game against Southern Academy in Selma, as reported by officials on Friday. His death was confirmed the following day.
Tellier, who was 16 years old, was an organ donor, according to a report by CNN affiliate WSFA and confirmed by the school’s headmaster, Bryan Oliver, as reported by AL.com.
In a statement released on Saturday, Tellier’s parents expressed their deep sorrow, saying, “Our beloved son, Caden Tellier, has gone to be with Jesus.” They described Caden as a person known for his kindness, generosity, and love, noting that even in his passing, he continues to give of himself.
“Caden’s life has touched many, and now through his passing, he will continue to make a difference by saving lives,” his parents added.
During the August 23 game in Selma, Alabama, Caden Tellier was seen carrying the ball for Morgan Academy, according to images provided by 4Himages.
Michael McLendon, Executive Director of the Alabama Independent School Association, shared with CNN that early indications suggest Caden may have suffered a ruptured blood vessel in his brain after being tackled during a routine play that led to contact with the ground.
McLendon noted that the full details of the incident are still being gathered, and it may take some time to fully understand what happened. He added that those present at the game likely did not notice anything out of the ordinary.
Experts emphasize that deaths during football games are uncommon at all levels of play. In 2023, there were 16 fatalities among football players, including seven high school athletes, according to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research. Of those deaths, three were due to traumatic brain injuries—two in high school football and one in youth league football, all of which occurred during games. The remaining deaths were attributed to exertional or medical causes, such as heat stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism.
Bryan Oliver, the headmaster of Morgan Academy, described Tellier as a bright presence at the school, saying, “He was a student, a friend, an athlete, and most importantly, a follower of Christ. There are no words to express the depth of our sorrow as a school community and family,” in a statement shared on social media.
The Tellier family announced that a service will be held soon, while school officials have suspended all activities at Morgan Academy for the week, as per the school association.