Football player remembered as 'one of the finest young men' coach encountered

PIKE COUNTY, Ga. — Coaches and administrators are reviewing game video to determine how a high school player suffered a head injury and later died.

Dylan Thomas, 16, was a standout linebacker for the Pike County High School varsity football team.

Thomas died Sunday, after fighting to survive a brain injury he suffered on the field during Friday night's game.

He came off the field, complaining of a possible leg injury when he suddenly became unresponsive.

“Just an outstanding young man on the football field. I mean he was just a fighter,” football coach Brad Webber said Monday about Thomas. “He was one of the finest young men I’ve ever had in my life.”

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“During the examination, Dylan became unresponsive, and EMTs on site had Dylan transported to Grady Hospital, when he passed away last evening," said Pike County Schools Superintendent Michael Duncan

Administrators told Channel 2's Tom Regan they don't know exactly how the 16-year-old linebacker was injured, but they say it wasn't during a tackle.

“We are still reviewing the video. We don't have a lot of information at this time,” Webber said.

The coach also told Regan that all his players are equipped with the safest, most protective helmet available.

“Dylan had a Riddell Speed Flex helmet -- the best money can buy," Webber said. “We are always constantly evaluating, doing things to make it better.”

Flowers now hang on the gate to the playing field. Teammates gathered there Sunday in prayer and vowed to carry on strong.

“I want to get out there and play for him cause that’s what he would want for us instead of quitting,” teammate Jake Patterson said.

“It's going to be extremely difficult, it's going to be just hour to hour,” Webber said. “We’re family here. And when our family hurts, we all hurt together. We’ll get through this together."

Cox Media Group