Sharon, MA – A serious incident unfolded during the annual Thanksgiving football game at Sharon High School when sophomore player Rohan Shukla suffered a traumatic brain injury. According to a letter sent to the community by school administrators, Shukla was injured during play and subsequently collapsed on the sideline.
The game was immediately terminated as trainers, coaches, and emergency personnel rushed to assist him. First responders quickly transported Shukla to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton before he was transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he is currently receiving treatment.
In their letter, Superintendent Peter J. Botelho and Principal Kristen Keenan expressed their support for Rohan and his family, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are going out to Rohan, his parents Abhishek and Deepika, and his twin brother Naman during this incredibly difficult time.” The school administrators also emphasized their respect for the family’s privacy during this challenging period.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Rohan, raising over $25,000 as of Sunday, although donations have since been turned off. This shows the community’s strong support for Shukla and his family.
In light of the incident, school counselors from the district and Riverside Community Services were made available at Sharon High School to provide support to the football team, cheer squad, and other community members. Administrators encouraged parents and caregivers to discuss feelings associated with the incident with their children before returning to school on Monday. They assured that the staff would respond with sensitivity and compassion.
For those needing additional support, the letter includes a contact for the William James Interface Referral Service for mental health resources.
