A high school football player from Florida succumbs to his injuries post-match, marking yet another tragic incident in this school year.
Chance Gainer, a senior at Port St. Joe High School in Florida's panhandle, was playing cornerback during an away game at Liberty County High School when he unexpectedly hit the ground right before halftime, as revealed by Gulf District Schools Superintendent Jim Norton to CNN on Saturday.
"He's an outstanding lad who you could turn into a legend," Norton said. "I regard Chance as a pal."
Prior to his 18th birthday celebration, Gainer passed away at a local hospital, according to Norton, leaving behind his parents and siblings to navigate a life without him.
Last week, the National Federation of State High School Associations announced that six high school student athletes had passed away within the previous month, with four of them due to heart problems and two due to collisions, as reported by the Associated Press. Gainer's demise added to that total.
Three American high school football players have perished since the start of the new academic year, as CNN noted in its previous report.
Alabama teen Semaj Wilkins suffered a medical emergency during football practice at New Brockton High School on August 13, as reported by CNN affiliate WDHN. Teenager Caden Tellier, 16, sustained a fatal brain injury during his opening game, while 13-year-old Cohen Craddock passed away following a collision in practice.
The cause of Gainer's demise remains undisclosed. CNN contacted the medical examiner's office in Pensacola, Florida, for further details.
Norton stated that Gainer was returning to a defensive huddle after a water break when he collapsed and lost consciousness. The superintendent was uncertain if Gainer had any pre-existing medical conditions.
The rate of injuries among children participating in sports, particularly football, has been on the rise in recent years. Statistics from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate a significant decrease in football-related injuries from 2013 to 2019, followed by a plateau in 2020 due to Covid-19 lockdowns and a subsequent increase in 2021.
His grin was luminous
Gainer scored two touchdowns on the night of his demise, Norton shared.
Gainer's passing has left the small, coastal community of Port St. Joe in shock, according to Norton. With a student body of about 500, the high school is tightly knit.
"School staff, friends, and local clergy came together at Port St. Joe High School following the tragedy to offer support to the grieving family who returned to town," Norton said in a statement.
Gainer had recently visited Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he dreamt of playing football, as per Norton.
"Academically, he was more than capable," Norton said with admiration. "He was thrilled about the prospect of attending Vanderbilt for the academic opportunities it would provide."
Gainer is remembered by his parents, siblings, and his high school sweetheart, who is a cheerleader for the football team, according to Norton.
Gainer was described as warm and reserved by Principal Sissy Godwin in a statement.
"You might not have heard Chance in the crowd, but his smile was always apparent from afar," she said.
CNN's Madeline Holcombe contributed to this report.
"We were deeply saddened by Chance's passing and it has affected us all profoundly."
"During this difficult time, we as a community are rallying around his family to offer our support and comfort."
