A beloved Georgia high school football player was found dead a day before his team was set to play in its first state championship in more than 25 years, according to reports and school officials.
The body of 17-year-old Brandon Smith was discovered Sunday, but details surrounding his “untimely” death, including the cause, remain unclear.
“We are heartbroken to hear the news of the tragic and untimely death of one of our student-athletes, Brandon Smith,” said Manchester Schools Superintendent Robert Griffin and Manchester High School Principal Suze Neal. in a joint statement posted on the school’s website.
“Unfortunately, Manchester High School’s celebration of playing for the Georgia 1-A State Football Championship has turned into something none of us could have imagined.”
School leaders said the tragedy was being investigated and authorities were expected to release more information.
The details surrounding it remain unclear. Manchester High School Blue Devils Football / Facebook
Police were investigating a scene related to the death Sunday afternoon, 11 Alive reported. The student was reported missing on Saturday, according to the station.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed to WRBL that it was assisting Manchester police with “crime scene processing.”
“We continue to pray for Brandon’s family, friends, teammates and classmates,” Griffin and Neal wrote, adding. “Brandon was a loyal teammate and friend who excelled on and off the field. He will be deeply missed.”
Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Felix Mizioznikov – stock.adobe.com
The school’s football team is scheduled to play Bowdon High School on Monday in its first state championship since 1997, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The game is scheduled to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons play their home games.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn