A Florida high school football player tragically died after collapsing during a game in Port St. Joe on Friday night. Chance Gainer, 18, was taken to hospital after the accident but was later pronounced dead.
Coaches immediately rushed to help the wide receiver on the field, but their efforts were in vain. The game, which was held at Liberty High School, was suspended and next week’s game was postponed, according to WMBB.
Gulf County Superintendent Jim Norton praised Gainer, calling him “one of the finest young men to ever walk the halls of Port St. Joe High School.” “He had world-class speed, but more importantly he had world-class character,” Norton added.
Norton also revealed that Gainer, an honors student, did not have a pulse when paramedics first came to him. However, they were able to detect his pulse before taking him to the hospital.
Gainer’s death marks the 12th football player to die this year, according to the Concussion Awareness Campaign. Reports highlight that Jenner, whose GPA was above 4.0, recently visited Vanderbilt University to explore future academic opportunities.
Authorities are now arranging grief counselors to support players, students and staff in the wake of this tragedy, WDBJ7 reports.