Cohen Craddock, a 13-year-old boy in West Virginia, died this week during his middle school football practice. This incident makes Craddock the third football-related death in West Virginia this year, and the sixth in the nation as reported by AB.
Craddock, a defensive lineman, collided with another player during practice on Friday afternoon and was sent to the hospital in critical condition. Doctors said Craddock was suffering from brain bleeding and swelling. He died on Saturday.
Related: Report: Middle School Football Player Suffers Cardiac Arrest During Game
Now, the Craddock family is already taking steps to protect other football players. They are working toward getting Guardian Caps, soft-shelled helmet covers, for the rest of Cohen’s teammates.
Ryan Craddock, Cohen’s father, said in a statement to AP News, “I want to take the loss of my boy to try to protect the other guys. I don’t want anybody else to go through what we are going through currently.”
Craddock attended Madison Middle School. Jeremy Dolin, head football coach at Scott High School, knew the program at Madison Middle School very well. Speaking of the head coach for the younger team, he said, “I encouraged him to take that job,” he said. “He’s a great young man and does a great job with the kids. I really hurt for him and definitely hurt for the Craddock family.” The middle school coach has not yet released a statement.
Related: HS Football Player Collapses, Dies During First Practice of Season
As previously reported by AB, there has been an unprecedented rise in the number of football deaths as the new school year kicks off. From heat-related illnesses to in-game injuries, there have been at least five deaths and a handful of serious injuries. All of these tragic incidents have parents calling for more athletic trainers, better judgment from coaching staff surrounding outdoor practices in the heat and better safety equipment for the athletes.
