A Florida high school football player died after collapsing during a game: NPR

A high school football player from the Florida Panhandle died Friday after collapsing during an away game, school officials said.

Chance Gainer, a 12th-grader at Port St. Joe High School, fell to the ground just before halftime during a game at Liberty County High School in Bristol, Florida, Port St. Joe High School Principal Sissy Godwin confirmed to NPR on Saturday.

Gainer was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital, she said. He had just celebrated his 18th birthday last month.

Jim Norton, superintendent of Gulf District Schools, said in a statement that Gainer’s death was a “tragic loss.”

“He was a remarkable athlete, a beloved teammate and overall an extraordinary young man who loved Jesus,” Norton said.

He described Gainer as quiet, “but who radiated an enchanting warmth and genuineness that drew people to him.”

Principal Godwin said of Gainer, “You may not have heard Chance in the crowd, but you could see his smile from across the room.”

School staff, friends and clergy from the small, close-knit community gathered at the high school after his death to support Gainer’s family, who joined them, the school’s statement said.

“We want the Gainer family to feel that they are not alone in this heartbreaking moment,” Norton said in the statement.

It is the latest tragedy in a series of deaths of young football players. At least seven other middle and high school athletes died last month during practices, games or after practices, many in hot weather. Two of the deaths were due to head injuries.