Community honors Alabama high school quarterback who suffered fatal game injury
Caden Tellier (Credit: Alabama Independent School Association)
SELMA, Ala. - Tributes continue to pour in after an Alabama high school student died following a brain injury during the school's opening football game.
Morgan Academy junior quarterback Caden Tellier received a blow to the head during the third quarter of his team's 30-22 win against Southern Academy in Selma, Alabama, last week.
He was airlifted by helicopter to University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital where he passed away.
"Our boy, Caden Tellier has met Jesus face to face," Tellier parents posted on Facebook. "Everyone who knows Caden has known kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he is giving of himself one more time. Lives have been touched by the way he lived and now lives will be saved through his passing. We will walk out these next few days alongside him in his earthly body knowing that his spirit is rejoicing in heaven."
The school's rival teams have also offered their condolences.
"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Tellier Family, Morgan Academy, and all who knew and loved Caden," Prattville High School posted on its Facebook plage. "We wish you nothing but comfort and strength during this difficult time."
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"Please keep our friends at John T. Morgan Academy in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," The Alabama Independent School Association also posted on social media."
Morgan Academy headmaster Bryan Oliver told Fox News Digital Tellier died from his injuries Saturday evening.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Caden Tellier has gone to be with his Lord and Savior. Caden loved the Lord with all his heart and was a shining light every day he graced the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete and, most important, a Christ follower," Oliver said.
"There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family. 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. I want to thank all the schools and individuals that have reached out during this difficult time. Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy."
Tellier played both football and baseball for Morgan Academy. During his first year as the varsity starter as a sophomore in 2023, he threw for 1,228 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in eight games. In baseball last spring, he hit .311 with two home runs and 10 RBIs.
Tellier's death comes just nine days after a fellow Alabama high school football player, 14-year-old New Brockton High School freshman Semaj Wilkins, died Aug. 15 after collapsing during a practice.