High School player dies.....

[Niccivan]

This is my town, my high school. I live in a very small town where everyone knows everyone. I did not personally know Taylor, but I knew his family.

Niceville High School Football player dies after in-game collision

This is such a tragic accident. He was hit so hard, his spleen and liver ruptured and they could not stop the bleeding.

[skidoc]

that is very, very unusual. i wonder if he had underlying mononucleosis as a blunt trauma injury to the spleen in a mono patient can be horrific.

[luvsluvin]

so sad, Nicci...

[Niccivan]

Originally Posted by skidoc

that is very, very unusual. i wonder if he had underlying mononucleosis as a blunt trauma injury to the spleen in a mono patient can be horrific.

I haven't heard anything about him having any underlying issues. He was catching a touchdown pass and 2 guys from the opposing team slammed into him.

There were over 1000 people at his funeral. There was a memorial fund set up in his name at the high school, and I'm pretty sure they will retire his number.

Around the football field, along the gate that seperates the road from the field, a sign hangs with his name with flowers and balloons all around. It really is heartbreaking

[speedracer75]

I bet the two kids that laid the hits on him are also suffering mentally/emotionally as well... just very tragic all around.

[BerkB33]

My heart goes out to his family and school. What a tragedy.

A Story to Feel Better: My son too, was a football player. During his sophomore year one of his dearest friends was making a tackle in the first game of his varsity career....it turned out to be his last. He ducked down to hit the opposing ball carrier at the knees. He accomplished that, but in so doing broke his neck and layed paralyzed on the field. Needless to say the players dedicated that season to Andrew (injured player) and promised him they would win the state title. They developed the battle cry, "Doin' it for Diggs!" Andrew's last name is Dignan. Well, they did just that....they won the state championship and had a team picture done with Andrew sitting front and center! And just so you don't worry about Andrew.....he's graduated from University of California, Berkeley, with honors, and is currently attending law school at Boldt Hall, the law school at Cal. Thought everyone would like to hear something good coming from something so tragic.

Hang in there, Nicci.

[Patsfan55]

That is so sad my best freind broke his back playing high school football.The problems he had the rest of his life pretty much ruined it for him.Its a shame for the boy and his family.

[Major_Payne]

that is so sad

[calgaryjimbo]

Very sad.

We had a kid in our league die in 1994 at the national championships when he was struck by lightning. The teams had just sat through a rain delay and were returning to the diamond to begin playing again. The sun had come back out and the clouds were virtually gone when the flash hit Matt Krol in his position in left field. The blast was powerful enough to knock down the shortstop, third baseman and center fielder as well, but Matt was killed instantly. Our league now hosts an annual tournament in Matt's name and also has a scholarship program in his name.

[Niccivan]

Berk, that's a very moving story. Too bad they all can't have a happy ending.

Jimbo, that's also a very sad story. It's really a terrible tragedy that bad things like this happen. But children will continue to play regardless of the risks because they love the sport.

I think scholorship programs are an excellent way of showing respect.