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Middle school football player dies from head injury; second this week

By Austin Williams
Updated  August 27, 2024 8:22pm EDT
Health
FOX TV Digital Team

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The Brief

    • A 13-year-old middle school football player, Cohen Craddock, died from a head injury sustained during practice, marking the second such tragedy in a week.
    • Cohen suffered brain bleeding and swelling after a tackle; despite initial signs of recovery, he lost consciousness and later passed away.
    • His father plans to advocate for the use of soft-shell helmet covers to prevent future injuries.

MADISON, W.Va. - 13-year-old Cohen Craddock, a defensive lineman for Madison Middle School in West Virginia, died over the weekend from a head injury sustained during practice. 

This tragedy marks the second football-related death from a head injury in just one week. Cohen was injured while making a tackle on Friday, and although he initially stood up afterward, he soon lost consciousness. 

RELATED: Community honors Alabama high school quarterback who suffered fatal game injury

Despite efforts to save him, Cohen passed away on Saturday due to brain bleeding and swelling.

How did the injury occur?

During a routine football practice at Madison Middle School, Cohen Craddock suffered a severe head injury while making a tackle. After the collision, Cohen briefly got back on his feet but quickly lost consciousness. 

His father, Ryan Craddock, reported that Cohen’s oxygen levels were critically low while en route to the hospital. Despite medical intervention, Cohen’s injuries proved fatal, leaving his family and community devastated.

How is the community responding?

The death of Cohen Craddock has left a profound impact on the Madison Middle School community. Boone County Schools Superintendent Matthew Riggs announced that counseling and other support services would be made available to help students, faculty, and staff cope with the loss. 

Madison Middle School Principal Shann Elkins remembered Cohen as a "wonderful, polite, and smart young man" who was deeply cherished by the school community.

The source
This article is based on statements from Cohen Craddock's father, Ryan Craddock, and school officials, including Boone County Schools Superintendent Matthew Riggs and Madison Middle School Principal Shann Elkins.