West Virginia Middle School Football Player Dies from Head Injury
West Virginia Middle School Football Player Dies from Head Injury, Tragic Incident Coincides with Alabama High School Player’s Death
Community Mourns: Eighth-Grade Football Player Cohen Craddock Dies After Injury
Tragic Loss of Student Athlete Cohen Craddock
Eighth-grade student athlete Cohen Craddock from Madison Middle School tragically died on Saturday after sustaining a head injury during football practice. The community is mourning the loss of the young player, who passed away despite emergency treatment. This incident, which follows similar tragedies in other states, has sparked calls for enhanced safety measures in youth sports. Craddock’s father is advocating for the use of protective gear to prevent future injuries.
Tragic Loss: Student Athlete Cohen Craddock Dies After Football Practice Injury
Community Mourns the Loss of a Young Athlete
The community is in mourning following the tragic death of Cohen Craddock, an eighth-grade student at Madison Middle School. Craddock passed away on Saturday, August 24, after sustaining injuries during a football practice the previous day.
Details of the Incident
On Friday, August 23, Craddock suffered a head injury during a routine football practice. According to Joseph Smith, Executive Director of the Boone County Ambulance Authority, medics were dispatched to Madison Middle School to attend to the injured player. Craddock was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Sadly, despite the medical team’s best efforts, Craddock succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Statement from Boone County Superintendent
Boone County Superintendent Matthew Riggs released a heartfelt statement expressing the profound impact of Craddock’s death on the school community. Riggs said:
“The entire Boone County Schools’ community is beginning to mourn the loss of Cohen Craddock, an 8th-grade student at Madison Middle School. As a Redhawk, Cohen was loved by his classmates, teachers, administrators, and the entire Madison Middle School staff. Cohen was also a member and leader of the Redhawks’ Football Team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cohen’s family, friends, teammates, classmates, and the entire MMS staff. We ask the community to join us in providing healing, comfort, protection, and strength for his family.”
Outpouring of Support
Madison Middle School Principal Shann Elkins also addressed the tragic event:
“The staff, students, and football team at Madison Middle School would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love, support, kindness, and caring from so many across the state, region, and nation. It has been overwhelming and comforting in this time of heartbreak. Cohen was a wonderful, polite, and smart young man who was an important part of our school family.”
Regional and National Reactions
Craddock’s death has resonated deeply across multiple communities. Roane County High School, among others, has called for community support through prayers and positive thoughts for the Craddock family and Madison Middle School.
Superintendent Riggs announced that additional support measures will be implemented starting Monday for students, athletes, faculty, and staff at Madison Middle School.
A Call for Safety Reform
The tragic incident involving Craddock occurred during the same weekend as similar cases in other states. In Alabama, Morgan Academy junior quarterback Caden Tellier also tragically died following a head injury in a game, and 14-year-old Semaj Wilkins from New Brockton High School collapsed and died just days earlier during a practice.
In response to the incident, Craddock’s father, Ryan Craddock, has expressed his intent to advocate for enhanced safety measures in youth football, including the use of soft-shell helmet covers known as Guardian Caps.
“I want to take the loss of my boy to try to protect the other guys,” Ryan Craddock said. “I don’t want anybody else to go through what we are going through currently.”
Cohen Craddock’s untimely death is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks associated with youth sports and the urgent need for ongoing safety improvements. As the community grieves, there is a collective hope that his legacy will inspire changes that protect future players from similar tragedies.
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West Virginia Middle School Football Player Dies from Head Injury
FAQs About the Tragic Death of Cohen Craddock
Q: Who was Cohen Craddock?
A: Cohen Craddock was an eighth-grade student at Madison Middle School and a member of the Redhawks football team. He tragically passed away after sustaining a head injury during a football practice.
Q: What happened to Cohen Craddock?
A: On Friday, August 23, 2024, Cohen suffered a head injury during football practice. He was taken to the hospital but passed away the following day, Saturday, August 24, 2024, due to complications from the injury.
Q: What was the response from the community and school?
A: The community and school have expressed profound grief and support. Madison Middle School Principal Shann Elkins and Boone County Superintendent Matthew Riggs released statements honoring Craddock and acknowledging the support from across the state and nation. The school has also announced additional support measures for students and staff.
Q: How is Cohen Craddock’s family responding?
A: Cohen’s father, Ryan Craddock, is advocating for increased safety measures in youth football, including the use of protective gear like Guardian Caps. He hopes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Q: Have there been other recent incidents like this?
A: Yes, Cohen’s death occurred the same weekend as similar incidents involving high school athletes in Alabama. These events have highlighted ongoing concerns about safety in youth sports.
Q: What steps are being taken to address safety in youth sports?
A: In response to recent tragedies, there are increased calls for implementing enhanced safety measures, including better protective equipment and safety protocols to safeguard young athletes.