A high school football player in Mississippi succumbed to injuries one week after breaking his neck during a game. Jeremiah Williams, a junior defensive back at Greenville High School, died at University of Mississippi Medical Center Friday (Nov. 9).
The teen fractured his C1 and C2 vertebrae while attempting a tackle during a game against Madison Central High School, last week. The injury is considered the most severe among spinal cord injuries.
Williams received CPR before being airlifted to UMMC where he was placed on a ventilator, Mississippi news station WJTV reports.
After a week of fighting for his life Jeremiah Williams, the Greenville football player injured a week ago, has died at UMMC. Please pray for his family, friends and teammates. #ThisHurts #Prayers pic.twitter.com/Xcl1IC5byV
— Maggie Wade (@MaggieWade9) November 9, 2018
Students at Greenville held a prayer vigil for Williams as he fought for his life in the hospital. Amid news of his tragic death, the Madison Central Jaguars paid tribute to Williams during a winning game Friday night.
“Our hearts are truly broken for The Williams Family and the entire Greenville High School Community,” read a tweet from the team. “You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.”
See below for dedications to Williams and more on the teen’s story.
Our hearts are truly broken for The Williams Family and the entire Greenville High School Community. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. #WeAre1 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/p9J6H0tfwk
— MC Jags (@MC_BIGBLUE) November 9, 2018
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Jeremiah Williams, the Greenville football player hurt last week. The entire Arrow Nation has his family, school, and community in our prayers.
— Clinton High School (@CHSArrowNation) November 9, 2018
Madison County Schools extends our deepest condolences to the family of Jeremiah Williams and the Greenville High School community. Our hearts are heavy and our prayers remain with you.
— Madison Co. Schools (@mcsinfo) November 9, 2018