Tragedy struck the small town of Selma, Alabama, on Saturday when 16-year-old high school football quarterback Caden Tellier succumbed to a brain injury sustained during a game the previous day.
Tellier, a junior at Morgan Academy, was airlifted to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital after being tackled during the third quarter of his team’s home opener on Friday. Despite medical efforts, he passed away on Saturday evening, leaving his family, friends, and community in shock.
Morgan Academy’s headmaster, Bryan Oliver, released a statement expressing the school’s deep sadness and condolences to Tellier’s family. “Caden was a shining light every day he graced the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete, and most importantly, a Christ follower,” Oliver said.
Oliver also acknowledged the outpouring of support from the school community and beyond, saying, “We will come together and support Jamie, Arsella, and Lyla with our whole hearts. We offer our deepest sympathy to the Telliers’ extended family as well.”
In response to the tragedy, the Alabama Independent School Association has suspended all sports activities at Morgan Academy for the remainder of the week. Executive Director Michael McLendon expressed his condolences and offered support to the school, saying, “As a small school, Morgan Academy feels this tragedy even more deeply, and the Alabama Independent School Association is here to offer any support and resources to support them as they grieve.”
Tellier was a talented athlete who played both football and baseball for Morgan Academy. As a varsity starter, he had a promising football career, throwing for 1,228 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in eight games during his sophomore year. He also excelled in baseball, hitting.311 with two home runs and 10 RBIs.
