A Louisiana high school football player died Friday night after suffering an injury during the team's season opener, according to authorities.
The 16-year-old Franklin Parish High School football player was injured during a play in the fourth quarter of the inaugural game of the season, said Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin W. Cobb.
The exact cause of death was under investigation and the sheriff's office did not release the athlete's name, but Franklin Parish High School Athletics identified him as Tyrell Cameron.
"Tyrell will live on in the memory of those who loved him. Prayers for his family. Support from throughout the state is greatly appreciated," the athletic department said in a statement.
Cameron's team, the Patriots, was playing the Sterlington High School Panthers on their home field in Winnsboro when Cameron tried to block a punt, but hit the ground after colliding with another player, The Franklin Sun reported.
"If you only know Tyrell Cameron in death, and didn't know him in life, then you truly missed out on what is good in our country ... he loved his family, his team, and the game of football. He will be missed," the Patriots said in a post on Facebook.
"Tyrell was a brother, a cousin, a son, a team member, a Patriot and a friend to so many people," added Patriots head coach Barry Sebren.
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association said in a statement that it "holds the safety of its student-athletes at the highest priority."
"My heart breaks for Tyrell’s family. I cannot imagine their pain,” said the association's executive director, Eddie Bonine.
A vigil in honor of Cameron was planned for Saturday night on the Franklin Parish High School football field.
