Caden Tellier — a 16-year-old high school football player at Morgan Academy in Alabama — died over the weekend after suffering a brain injury during the school's season-opening game against Southern Academy.
Tellier was Morgan Academy's quarterback for its season opener on Friday, Aug. 23. He came up injured after being tackled in the third quarter, head of school Dr. Bryan Oliver told AL.com.
No additional information about the play was provided.
Tellier was airlifted to UAB Hospital following the play. He was treated there for a "critical brain injury," according to Alabama Independent School Association executive director Michael McLendon.
Tellier's family announced Saturday that Caden had died because of the injury.
"Our boy, Caden Tellier has met Jesus face to face," the family wrote in a statement posted to social media. "We appreciate all of your prayers, and we covet them for the hard days ahead.
"Everyone who knows Caden has known kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he is giving of himself one more time. Lives have been touched by the way he lived and now lives will be saved through his passing. We will walk out these next few days alongside him in his earthly body knowing that his spirit is rejoicing in heaven."
Oliver confirmed that Tellier was an organ donor, per AL.com.
The Tellier family said a service to honor Caden's life will be scheduled soon.
Where is Morgan Academy?
All school activities will be suspended at Morgan Academy, which is located in Selma, Ala., for the upcoming week, including their scheduled game at Wilcox Academy.
"There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family," Oliver said in a statement announcing Telleir's death, per WSFA. "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," he added. "Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy."