Alabama High School Football Player Dies After Collapsing During Practice

Semaj Wilkins, 14, died on Tuesday. This is the second case in August of a high school football player dying after collapsing at practice.

https://www.change.org/p/fix-hopewell-high-school-policies-justice-for-jayvion-taylor?source_location=search

https://www.wdhn.com/news/local-news/coffee-county/mother-of-football-player-who-died-after-passing-out-at-practice-says-son-had-no-health-issues-recounts-his-love-for-the-sport/

"Semaj was a young man who brought joy and inspiration to his peers, teammates, coaches, and faculty members. His loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him," said Coffee County Schools Superintendent Kelly Cobb.

On Tuesday, Semaj Wilkins, a 14-year-old freshman at New Brockton High School in Alabama, collapsed during football practice and died. The Coffee County School System has released a statement saying the teen suffered a "medical emergency." The cause of death has not been disclosed, and the school district is working with the local DA's office and sheriff's department on an investigation.

Wilkins' mother, Regina Johnson-Adams, told WDHN that her son loved sports and that she holds no ill will toward the school. She hopes to see improved safety measures in the future, saying:

“At this time, I know my son was healthy … it was probably something that we missed. You never know because we do have underlying health problems in our family.”

Wilkins' death comes just days after Jayvion Taylor, a 15-year-old sophomore at Hopewell High School in Virginia, died on Aug. 5 after collapsing during football practice. A Change.org petition claims that Taylor's passing was "preventable," alleging that the practice was held under "extreme conditions."

Vigil

A vigil for Semaj Wilkins will be held at the New Brockton High School football stadium on Friday evening.

Counseling

The school is providing counseling support to those affected by Wilkins' death, including students, parents, staff, and friends.

Max Hauptman, Trending Reporter, USA TODAY.