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New Jersey high school sophomore dies two weeks after serious brain injury during football game
- During the fatal match, play was stopped in the second half and the victim was rushed to an ambulance
- Xavier McClain spent nearly two weeks in hospital on a ventilator before succumbing to his serious injuries.
- The kickoff has been described by Mark Murphy, a member of the competition’s competition committee, as ‘by far the most dangerous move ever’
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Tributes have been pouring in for a beloved high school sophomore who died two weeks after sustaining a traumatic injury during a varsity football game.
Xavier McClain, of New Jersey, was playing in a soccer game for Linden High School on Sept. 9 when he suffered a serious brain injury while bouncing back from a kick-off.
During the fatal match, play was stopped in the second half and McClain, who was 1.80m tall, was rushed to an ambulance.
McClain spent nearly two weeks in hospital on a ventilator before succumbing to his serious injuries yesterday.
Linden High School won that game against Woodbridge 31 to 0, thanks to substantial contributions from Xavier, according to those who were at the game.
Tributes poured in for the beloved New Jersey sophomore who died of his serious injuries earlier this month
Xavier McClain was playing in a football game for Linden High School on September 9 when he was seriously injured. He died almost two weeks later after being on a ventilator
A kick-off is when the twenty-two players line up before the kicker boots the ball from the 35-yard line. The players then sprint towards each other from 15 meters away, instead of standing just one meter apart.
This opens up the potential for traumatic injuries – especially to the neck and head.
The move has been described by Mark Murphy, a member of the competition’s competition committee, as “by far the most dangerous move in the game.”
McClain was praised for his athleticism—for breaking through his school’s lineup as a freshman.
Linden Mayor Derek Armstead wrote in tribute, “Thank you to all my Linden Pray Warriors. Together we prayed for a miracle and hoped for a different outcome.
“I trust God knows better. HE needed an angel and decided to call Xavier home to be with HIM. With your prayers, Xavier has fought a good battle.
He eventually succumbed to injuries sustained while playing football during the LHS Tigers game against Woodbridge a few weeks ago.
“This news hurts because I’ve known his parents, Lisa and Norm, for years, Xavier and Andres, their two sons, since they were little boys. My wife and I spend time in their house and our children played together.
Xavier was injured at the kick-off. The move has been described by Mark Murphy, a member of the league’s competition committee, as ‘by far the most dangerous move in the game’
Tragically, their worst fear came true. Norm and Lisa are devastated. Children should survive their parents, not the other way around. I have asked you to keep the family in your prayers.”
A heartbroken family member wrote: “To my cousins Norman and Lisa McClain, my prayers are with you on your son Xavier’s list, no one knows the heartache a parent goes through when he loses a child, I’m here for you and with you.”
“I pray that God gives you comfort and peace, know that Xav is smiling down on you, and know that you will see him in mourning.”
Acting Superintendent of Schools Denise Cleary said: “Xavier was seriously injured in a varsity football game on September 9, 2022. He has since been hospitalized and died tragically last night. We are very saddened by his untimely death.’
McClain is the second Union County football player to die in September. Senior Ali Muhammad, of Rahway High School, died in his sleep after an accident while training.