Los Angeles high schooler, 16, dies after suffering brain injury during a football game
A 16-year-old Los Angeles high school football player died more than a week after suffering a brain injury during a game.
Late last month, Christopher Garcia of South East High School was rushed to a local hospital after sustaining injuries while tackling an opponent during a junior match.
According to the Los Angeles TimesMedical staff were present to assist the boy and the remainder of the match has been called off.
South East High announced last Wednesday that Garcia died from his injuries.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Unified School District confirmed to USA Today that Garcia suffered a brain injury.
Christopher Garcia, a high school football player in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 16
A A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral expensesThat page also states that Garcia died of a brain injury.
“Christopher was a vibrant and passionate young man who brought joy and energy to everyone around him,” a family friend wrote on the fundraising page.
“A dedicated high school football player, he was known for his enthusiasm on and off the field. In addition to his athletic talents, Christopher was a loving son, sibling, and loyal friend.
“His loss leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.”
South East School Principal Eric Jaimes reportedly wrote a letter stating: “On behalf of our entire school community, I would like to express my deepest condolences.
“…Every member of the Southeast High School community is important and this loss impacts all of us.”
Garcia made a tackle that required immediate medical attention before being taken to hospital
According to the LA Times, Garcia tackled a player on the sideline in the second half of the game against Maywood and required immediate medical attention.
An LAUSD spokesperson told the LA Times that two medical staffers were on site and that the home team must deploy a first responder or athletic trainer before the game can begin.
Maywood’s college coach, Cesar Trillo, said he was “on his knees praying that this kid would get healthy and come back to us.”
According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury, there have been 11 high school and middle school deaths related to football this year.