Louisiana High School Football Player Dies After On-Field Injury

A high school football player died after sustaining an on-field injury during his team’s season opener Friday night in Winnsboro, Louisiana.

Sheriff Kevin Cobb confirmed that a member of the Franklin Parish High School football team died to local news station KNOE after suffering a neck injury during the team’s 14-0 loss to Sterlington High School.

Sophomore linebacker Tyrell Cameron was fatally injured during a routine punt return in the fourth quarter.

Franklin Parish High School released a statement following the announcement via Twitter. “Tyrell will live on in the memory of those who loved him,” the school statement said. “Prayers for his family. Support from throughout the state is greatly appreciated

Prayers and support flooded social media following the incident.

Absolutely horrible high school football news out of Louisiana tonight… RIP Tyrell Cameron.

— Andrew Chernoff (@ADChernoff) September 5, 2015

RIP to Tyrell Cameron of Franklin Parish High School. — Ridge Melancon (@_TwoOne) September 5, 2015

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Tyrell Cameron of Franklin Parish HS. #RIP

— Coach Steve Farmer (@CoachFarmerULM) September 5, 2015

Annual collision deaths from football at all levels of play peaked at 36 during the 1968 season. Since 1977, contact fatalities have reached double figures during just one season. In the last decade, an average of four players a year have died due to collisions, making such deaths about a one-in-a-million occurrence.