SELMA, AL – The community is reeling after the tragic loss of Caden Tellier, a 16-year-old junior at Morgan Academy. Caden died on Saturday at UAB Hospital following a serious brain injury sustained during a high school football game against Southern Academy on Friday night.
During the third quarter of the game, Caden was tackled and suffered a head injury when he hit the ground. He was quickly attended to by trainers and medical personnel but sadly did not survive. His passing has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with coaches and fellow players expressing their grief.
Mark Hudspeth, head coach at Gulf Shores High, emphasized the importance of perspective in moments like these. “At the end of the day, this is just a game and that was a precious life,” he said. “It shows us all that everything else is fleeting, and we should be thankful for our lives and our families.”
A memorial service was held at Morgan Academy on Monday, where students, parents, teachers, and local pastors gathered to honor Caden’s memory. Head of School, Bryan Oliver, remarked that Caden’s impact on his friends and the community should be celebrated. “It’s about what he did to impact our school, his friends, everyone around him,” Oliver stated.
Caden’s death marks the second football-related fatality in Alabama in just two weeks. A 14-year-old freshman, Semaj Wilkins, collapsed during practice earlier this month and later died. As concerns about player safety rise, coaches across the state are reflecting on the risks associated with football.
Coach Keith Etheredge from Auburn High expressed deep condolences for Caden’s family and the team, admitting that such tragedies are every coach’s worst nightmare. “When one is lost, I don’t know how a family gets through it. That’s tough, real tough,” he said.
Despite the tragedies, coaches believe that football is as safe as it has ever been, thanks to advancements in equipment and new rules designed to protect players. “We’re all dads, and safety is our priority,” Etheredge added.
In response to the tragedy, Morgan Academy has canceled its upcoming game against Wilcox Academy. The team is expected to take some time to heal as they prepare for their next scheduled game against Monroe Academy on September 13.
