Reaction is pouring in over social media following the death of Morgan Academy quarterback Caden Tellier, who died Saturday after sustaining a brain injury in the Selma private school's home opener Friday night.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Caden Tellier has gone to be with his Lord and Savior," Morgan Academy Headmaster Bryan Oliver wrote on the school's Facebook page. "Caden loved the Lord with all his heart and was shining light every day he raced the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete and most important a Christ follower.
"There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family. We will come together and support Jamie, Arsella and Lyla with out whole hearts. We offer our deepest sympathy to the Tellier's extended family as well."
Public and private schools, including longtime rivals of Morgan Academy, have posted words of encouragement and sympathy on social media platforms.
"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Tellier Family, Morgan Academy and all who loved and knew Caden," a post of the Prattville High School Athletics Facebook page states. "We wish you nothing but comfort and strength during this difficult time."
The Alabama Independent Schools Association is asking for prayers.
"Please keep our friends at Morgan Academy in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," stated a post on the association's Facebook page.
The AISA is truly a family, and we will stand in the gap in prayer for his friends, loved ones and the entire student body of (Morgan Academy) in the days and weeks to come.
Morgan Academy Facebook page
Hooper Academy quoted a Bible verse in their post: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds," Psalms 147:3.
"Hooper Academy extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the family of Caden Tillier, a standout student athlete at Morgan Academy who tragically lost his life after an injury Friday night," the post stated. "The AISA is truly a family, and we will stand in the gap in prayer for his friends, loved ones and the entire student body of MAS in the days and weeks to come." The school changed its Facebook logo to a red and yellow ribbon.
Morgan was playing Southern Academy and Caden, a 16-year-old junior, was injured in the third quarter. He was airlifted to a Birmingham hospital.
"I want to thank all the schools and individuals that have reached out during this difficult time," Oliver said on the school's Facebook page. "Caden will never be forgotten for who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy."
His parents Arsella Slagel Tellier and Jamie Tellier posted on their Facebook pages Saturday evening that Caden had died. He was an organ donor.
"Our boy, Caden Tellier has met Jesus face to face," the post reads. "We appreciate all of your prayers and we covet them for the hard days ahead.
"Everyone who knows Caden has know kindness, generosity and love and true to his nature he is giving of himself on more time. Lives have been touched by the way he lived and now lives will be saved through his passing. We will walk out these next few days alongside him in his earthly body knowing that his spirit is rejoicing in heaven."
The post said arrangements for a service will be made soon.
A GoFundMe has been set up, organized by Kristen Jones of Selma. As of about 9:30 a.m. Sunday it had raised more than $48,000 of its $50,000 goal with 340 donations made.
Morgan has suspended all athletic activities including practices and games for this week, the Selma Times-Journal reported. The outlet quoted a message sent to Morgan families.
"We will plan to have school on Monday," the message states. "We have arranged for several pastors to be on campus to assist students in a variety of ways. If you feel the need to be with your student outside of school, please do so. Monday will look different for us, but our purpose will be to provide a place for students to feel safe and loved."