Kentucky High School Football Player Dies After Head Injury Sustained in Spring Game

A Pulaski County High School (Ky.) football player died Monday after sustaining a brain injury during a spring game Friday.

According to WKYT, the junior player, Andrew Dodson, was injured during the scrimmage Friday and then was transported to a local hospital. 

Dodson’s father, Alan, gave additional information to the Lexington Herald-Leader on Sunday night, explaining that his son was wearing a helmet and was carrying the ball when one of his teammates tackled him.

“It was not a violent hit or helmet-to-helmet. It was a simple, clean tackle,” the elder Dodson said. “His head hit the turf, and Andrew suffered blunt-force trauma to the brain. He had a major surgery to relieve the pressure and has never awakened.”

The high school junior was on life support until he died Monday.

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association posted a tribute to Dodson via Twitter on Monday.

“No words can explain, justify or rationalize tragedies such as these,” the social post read. “We only ask for peace and comfort to all around him.”

Hundreds of people sent well wishes and prayers to Dodson’s family over the last few days as part of a campaign called “Prayers for Andrew.” One of the messages came from Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops.

“Our sympathies and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Andrew Dodson, a member of the Pulaski County football team,” Stoops tweeted Monday. “We are heartbroken by this tragedy and are deeply sorry for your loss.”