Kentucky high school football player, 17, dies after head injury during exhibition game: Friends pay tribute to ‘happiest kid I’ve ever met’
A Kentucky high school football player who suffered a head injury during a scrimmage last week has died in hospital.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association said in a statement on Facebook Monday that it joins family, friends and teammates in mourning the loss of Pulaski County High School varsity football player Andrew Dodson.
“No words can explain, justify or rationalize this kind of tragedy,” the association wrote. “We only ask for peace and comfort for everyone around him.”
His father Alan Dodson told the Lexington Herald-Leader that his son was running the ball during the Pulaski County varsity football spring Maroon and White game when he was tackled by a teammate.
“It wasn’t a violent blow or helmet-to-helmet. It was a simple, clean tackle,” said Alan Dodson. “His head hit the turf and Andrew suffered blunt trauma to the brain.”
Andrew Dodson has died in hospital after suffering a head injury while playing football last week
The 17-year-old, pictured R with his mother, was involved in a ‘clean’ tackle during scrimmage
He also explained that his son was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, further explaining: ‘He had major surgery to relieve the pressure and never woke up. He fought for his life on total life support.”
Dodson was immediately taken to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset after the hit, where he died of his injuries on Monday.
Speaking to WKYT after Dodson’s death, Nate Unthank – a friend – said, “He was the happiest boy I’ve ever met. He carried a great passion in everything he did.’
Dodson played a tight and defensive end for the Maroons during his junior season, WKYT reported.
On Tuesday, the Dodson family released a statement saying, “We are absolutely heartbroken. Andrew was full of life and love.
“He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved football, but most of all he loved his Savior.
“This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and because of Andrew’s faith in Jesus and what He accomplished for all of us on the cross by defeating death through His own death and resurrection, we are confident that we can support Andrew. will see again.
Pulaski County High School released a statement in memory of the 17-year-old student
Dodson was described as ‘the happiest boy I’ve ever met’ by a friend in the wake of his tragic death
“We want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.”
Pulaski County School officials have also reached out to students in the aftermath of the tragedy to offer advice as they return from spring break.
High school football team coach Mark Stoops also expressed his grief in a tweet Monday, writing, “We are heartbroken by this tragedy and deeply sorry for your loss.”