A 16-year-old high school football player has died nearly two weeks after he sustained a brain injury during a game in Los Angeles, authorities said.
Christopher Garcia, a junior at South East High School in South Gate, was critically injured during the second half of a junior varsity game on Aug. 23 while he was making a tackle. Garcia was taken to a hospital by an ambulance and the game was canceled, the Los Angeles Times reported.
On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the school’s principal announced in a letter to the community that the athlete had died from his injuries, according to the Times.
“On behalf of our entire school community, I want to offer my deepest condolences,” Eric Jaimes said in his message. “At this time, we request that the privacy of those who have been impacted be respected during this difficult time. Please know that our entire school community offers our support.”
Garcia’s family and friends are now mourning the teen’s tragic death.
“This unexpected loss has left a profound impact on their family,” organizer Jennifer Guadamuz, who confirmed Garcia suffered a brain injury, wrote in a GoFundMe started on behalf of his family.
“Christopher was a vibrant and passionate young man who brought joy and energy to everyone around him,” Guadamuz continued. “As a dedicated high school football player, he was known for his enthusiasm on and off the field. Beyond his athletic talents, Christopher was a loving son, sibling, and a loyal friend. His loss leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.”
Two days after Garcia’s death was announced, a Florida high school football player died after collapsing on a field during a game.
Port St. Joe High School senior Chance Gainer, 18, died on Friday, Sept. 6. NBC News, citing Gulf District Schools Superintendent Jim Norton, reported that Gainer died during an away game at Liberty County High School. Norton described the teen athlete’s death as a “tragic loss” that has left the community with “profound sorrow.”
In 2023, 16 youth league, middle school, high school and collegiate football players died while playing the game, according to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury.
