Ongoing Investigation: Another HS Football Player,14-years-old, Dies After Collapsing at Practice

Just a week after a 15-year-old high school football player from Virginia died after collapsing on the field, a 14-year-old HS football player from Alabama died after collapsing at practice.

The HS football player from Alabama was a freshman

The 14-year-old HS football player from Alabama, Semaj Wilkins, was a freshman at New Brockton High School preparing for his first high school football season.

Wilkins died Tuesday after collapsing during New Brockton High School’s preseason practice. The head coach of New Brockton, Jason Barnett, confirmed Wednesday that a scheduled scrimmage between New Brockton and Barbour County was canceled.

Wilkins was in the middle of doing drills when he collapsed, but the type of drill he was doing when he collapsed is unknown. Coffee County Coroner Aaron Woodham explained that there would be more information released to the public at a later date in an article from WTVY.

“This is a very emotional time for the family and Emergency Responders involved. There will be more information released at a later time. Please respect and pray for the family during this difficult time,” Woodham said.

Condolences and support for HS football player Semaj Wilkins flooded social media

Along with a statement directly from New Brockton High School, many coaches and families familiar with the situation have taken to social media to express their condolences and show support for the tragic passing of Wilkins.

Coffee County superintendent Kelly Cobb released a statement late Tuesday night in an article from AL.com that explained the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office were still conducting an ongoing investigation.

“Our Coffee County School System family is grieving the loss of a New Brockton High School freshman who passed away after a medical emergency late this afternoon. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation, and the Coffee County School System will fully cooperate with both agencies.

“Starting tomorrow, we will have our crisis response team which includes counselors, pastors, and other support staff available at New Brockton High School to provide support for the family, friends, classmates, teachers, and other school staff. Our hearts are broken for the family’s loss and our prayers are with them as they mourn. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

Executive director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Heath Harmon held a moment of silence in Wilkins’ honor before getting started with the AHSAA Media Day.

Yesterday, a young man in Brockton, AL lost his life playing the game he loved at the age of 14. This is an awful tragedy and his family is left with a void that will never be filled.

If anyone wants to help the family of Semaj Wilkins, here is the best way to contribute.…

— John “J.D.” Dunn (@JxhnDunn) August 14, 2024

A high school athlete death in New Brockton, AL

A New Brockton High School football player collapsed during drills yesterday.
The freshman was transported to the hospital.
Semaj Wilkins was 14 years old.#SaferSidelineshttps://t.co/NPh6VKJ5Nz

— Stephanie Kuzydym (@stephkuzy) August 14, 2024

Heartbreaking to read these.

— Walker Terhune (@WalkerTerhune) August 14, 2024

his parents should be charged with manslaughter
what did they say for hin to get the jabs

— taste (@tasteycovidf) August 14, 2024

Get More NFL and College Football Content

For more news and trends in the college football world, click here or follow me on Twitter @KusleikaAndrew.