In a heartbreaking incident, Caden Tellier, a high school quarterback from Alabama, has passed away after suffering a brain injury during a football game on Friday night. Tellier, a junior at Morgan Academy in Selma, was critically injured while making a tackle in the third quarter of the team’s first game of the season against Southern Academy. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Tellier’s death was announced on Saturday.
Michael McLendon, the executive director of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA), confirmed the tragic news and expressed the deep sorrow felt by the entire school community. “There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family,” said Dr. Bryan Oliver, headmaster of Morgan Academy. “We will come together and support Jamie, Arsella, and Lyla with our whole hearts. We offer our deepest sympathy to the Tellier’s extended family as well.”
In the wake of the tragedy, all school activities at Morgan Academy have been suspended for the week. The school, which has just 339 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, is grappling with the loss of one of its own in such a devastating manner.
The Tellier family released a statement highlighting Caden’s kindness and generosity, saying, “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.”
Caden Tellier had a standout performance in the first half of the game, throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another. The game ended in a 30-22 victory for Morgan Academy, marking the debut for the team’s new head coach.
McLendon acknowledged the outpouring of support from schools and individuals across the state, stating, “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.”
As the Morgan Academy community mourns the loss of a beloved student-athlete, they are asking for prayers and support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.