Selma, Alabama – The community is in mourning after the tragic death of Caden Tellier, a 16-year-old junior at Morgan Academy. Tellier sustained a severe brain injury during a high school football game against Southern Academy on Friday night. Despite medical attention at UAB Hospital, he passed away on Saturday, leaving friends, family, and coaches heartbroken.
On Monday, a memorial service was held at Morgan Academy, where students, parents, and teachers gathered to honor Tellier’s life. Head of school Bryan Oliver expressed that it’s a time for both grief and celebration of Caden’s impact on those around him. “That’s our No. 1 goal is to use this as a platform to spread Caden’s love for Jesus and, hopefully, that will impact a lot of other people,” he stated.
This incident marks the second football-related death in Alabama within two weeks. Semaj Wilkins, a 14-year-old freshman, died after collapsing at practice earlier this month. Coaches around the state are reflecting on the gravity of such occurrences in sports. Mark Hudspeth, head coach at Gulf Shores High, emphasized the importance of life over the game: “At the end of the day, this is just a game and that was a precious life.”
Tellier’s injury happened during what seemed to be a routine play in the third quarter when he was tackled and hit his head on the ground. Coaches noted that despite safety advancements in football, risks remain. Keith Etheredge, Auburn High coach, shared his sadness, stating, “Your heart just breaks for the family and the team and the coaches.”
As Morgan Academy canceled its next game, the impact of tragedy in sports continues to resonate deeply within the community, reminding everyone involved that football goes beyond the field, fostering connections but also carrying inherent risks.
