A 16-year-old Los Angeles-area high school football player has died more than a week after suffering a brain injury during a game.
Late last month, South East High School’s Christopher Garcia was rushed to a local hospital after being injured while tackling an opposing player in a junior varsity game.
According to the Los Angeles TimesMedical personnel were present to assist the boy and the remainder of the game was cancelled.
South East High announced last Wednesday that Garcia had died as a result of his injuries.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Unified School District also confirmed to USA Today that Garcia suffered a brain injury.
Los Angeles high school football player Christopher Garcia has died at the age of 16
TO A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral costs.That page also states that Garcia died from 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.
‘As a high school football player, he was known for his enthusiasm on and off the field. Beyond his athletic talent, Christopher was a loving son, brother 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 Principal Eric Jaimes reportedly wrote a letter saying: “On behalf of our entire school community, I want to offer my sincere condolences.
“…Every member of the South East High School community is important and this loss affects us all.”
Garcia made a tackle that required immediate medical attention before being rushed to a hospital.
According to the LA Times, Garcia tackled a player on the sideline during the second half of a game against Maywood and required immediate medical attention.
An LAUSD spokesperson told the LA Times that there were two medical staff members on site and that the home team must provide an EMT or athletic trainer before the game can begin.
Maywood varsity coach Cesar Trillo said he was “on my knees and praying that this kid can recover and come back to us.”
According to the National Catastrophic Sports Injury Center, there have been 11 football-related deaths in middle and high school programs this year.