Georgia high school football player drowns in river

CHARLTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia high school football player has died after he drowned in a river on the Florida/Georgia line Thursday night, according to Action News Jax.

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Raymond Wade Jr., 17,  was a cornerback and wide receiver at Charlton County High School in southeast Georgia. He was a rising senior.

He was at the St. Mary’s River northwest of Jacksonville, Fla., with friends when he got distressed in the water around 5 p.m., according to WTLV.

His friends tried to save him but couldn’t before he went under. Crews found his body around 11:15 p.m., according to WJXT.

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The high school, which is in Folkston, sent a statement to students and families after Wade’s death:

“The teachers, administrators, and all staff members of the Charlton County School District are devastated by the news of the drowning of one of our students, Raymond Wade,” the district wrote in a statement. “Raymond was a well-liked and respected young man, and he will be sorely missed by our community.... Our prayers go out to Raymond’s family.”

Roswell quarterback Robbie Roper has died, family says Family, friends and the Georgia high school football community are mourning the loss of a beloved football player.

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