The family of a teenage athlete is in mourning after his shocking and unexpected passing during practice this week.

Cohen Craddock died on Saturday after taking a hit during football practice the day before, as CNN reported.

However, he is at least the third student player to die during just the first few weeks of the 2024/2025 scholastic year.

Deaths like these serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in American football as the nation prepares for Labor Day weekend.

On Craddock

Young Cohen Craddock "cared more about others than he did himself," according to his father Ryan, and was a social and outgoing thirteen-year-old.

“He was very compassionate, very bighearted and all the time wanted to try to make you laugh, make you feel better and bring people’s spirits up,” Craddock told CNN, expressing the family's overwhelming grief.

His mother posted a message on Facebook stating that the family of Caden had made the decision to donate the teen's organs.

“Caden is still fighting hard in his earthly body as he prepares for this final act of generosity to bring new life to others,” Arsella Slagel Tellier posted Tuesday. “We continue to pray for those whose lives will be forever changed by his gifts.”

More Deaths

On the same day as Cohen's deadly injury, a 16-year-old Alabama football player died in his school's season opener.

CNN reported that Selma quarterback Caden Tellier sustained a brain damage on Friday night, according to Alabama Independent School Association Executive Director Michael McLendon. His death was confirmed Saturday.

Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham told CNN on Wednesday that Semaj Wilkins, another Alabama student, died August 13 after a medical issue during football practice at New Brockton High School. The football session lasted “10 or 15 minutes,” Woodham added.

“Semaj was a young man who brought joy and inspiration to his peers, teammates, coaches, and faculty members,” the Coffee County School System said. “His loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”

National Death Toll

According to data from the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, 16 young football players from youth league to college level died nationwide in 2023.

At least 13 of those deaths were directly or indirectly related to football, two were not, and the final cause (which took place during football) was undetermined.

Three deaths occurred during games due to traumatic brain injuries, two in high school football and one in youth league. Heat stroke, abrupt cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism killed others.