A football player at a Georgia high school has died from a severe brain injury he suffered during a game.
News outlets report Pike County High School student Dylan Thomas was hurt during a game Friday night and flown to a hospital in critical condition. Thomas’ uncle, Nick Burgess, says Thomas was hit in the second quarter of the game and although he would return to play, he later collapsed on the sidelines when an arm and leg went numb.
The mayor of Williamson, Steve Fry, tells WAGA-TV Thomas underwent surgery to relieve brain swelling and went into a coma. A vigil was held Sunday afternoon at the school for Thomas. Thomas’ uncle and school say the teen died that night.
The mayor of Williamson, Steve Fry, tells WAGA-TV Dylan Thomas underwent surgery to relieve brain swelling and went into a coma. A vigil was held Sunday afternoon at the school for Thomas. Thomas’ uncle and school say the teen died that night
Pike County High School football player, Dylan Thomas, of Georgia, died Sunday night at Grady Memorial Hospital after getting badly hurt during the game on Friday night. His friends and teammates have a vigil for him Sunday afternoon at Pike County High School
A fundraiser for medical costs and lost income started by Burgess had raised about $24,600 by Monday morning.
A local Papa John’s franchise extended its own fundraiser on Sunday, and staff even donated tips to the Thomas family.
Pike quarterback Jackson Holmes responded on Twitter: ‘Rest easy Dylan Thomas, you will forever be in our hearts.’
Another classmate wrote on Instagram: Rest in Peace to such a wonderful guy. My first love. You were amazing. My brain isn’t even processing that you are gone. You will forever be loved dilly poo.
The tragedy occurred as Tennessee State linebacker Christion Abercrombie is currently in critical condition after suffering a head injury during Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt.
University officials issued a statement Saturday night saying Abercrombie was being observed after collapsing on the sidelines.
Tigers coach Rod Reed headed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to check on the linebacker after the game
Reed told The Tennessean he was not sure exactly how or when the Atlanta native was hurt before coming to the sideline late in the second quarter of a 31-27 loss to Vanderbilt.
‘He came to the sideline and just kind of collapsed there,’ Reed said.
Photos from the scene show medics treating Abercrombie on the sideline.
Abercrombie was given oxygen, then taken away on a stretcher.
A member featuring Dylan Thomas circulated throughout social media after he was hurt
Teammates held his jersey and walked with their arms locked together during Sunday’s vigi.
Bystanders at Sunday’s vigil for Dylan Thomas could be seen weeping after his death
Hundreds showed Sunday for a vigil to honor Dylan Thomas, who died from a brain injury
Another classmate wrote on Instagram: Rest in Peace to such a wonderful guy. My first love. You were amazing. My brain isn’t even processing that you are gone. You will forever be loved’
He redshirted at Illinois in 2016 and played 11 games in 2017 before transferring to Tennessee State.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker came into Saturday’s game as the Tigers’ second-leading tackler.
He was credited with five tackles and a quarterback hurry before being injured.
After the game ended, players from both teams joined Reed and Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason for a prayer for Abercrombie, his family and the Tigers.
‘Football’s what we do, not who we are,’ Mason said.
‘I know what it is to be a coach. I know what it is to have a player who’s injured. At the end of the day, when serious injuries happen, football becomes secondary.’
Vanderbilt’s football team also tweeted about the football star.
‘Our thoughts are with the Abercrombie family, their friends and the entire Tennessee State community during this difficult time,’ the tweet read.
After the game ended, players from both teams (pictured) joined Tigers coach Rod Reed and Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason for a prayer for Abercrombie, his family and the Tigers
Tennessee State linebacker Christion Abercrombie (pictured, left with Illinois and right with Tennessee) collapsed on the sideline late in the first half against Vanderbilt on Saturday
Reed (right) headed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to check on the linebacker after the game. Reed is seen with Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason (left)