14-year-old dies after collapsing during football practice

NEW BROCKTON, Ala. (WTVY/Gray News) - A high school football player in Alabama died Tuesday afternoon after suffering a medical emergency at football practice during drills.

He was identified as 14-year-old Semaj Wilkins, a varsity player and a freshman at New Brockton High School, according to Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham.

Semaj was taken to Medical Center Enterprise by Enterprise Rescue, where he died.

“While additional details will be released later, I am asking the community to continue to be in prayer for his family, his teammates, his coaches, and all effected by the tragic loss of Mr. Wilkins,” Woodham said.

Coffee County Schools Superintendent Kelly Cobb said the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s office are investigating the death, and the school district is fully cooperating with the agencies.

Cobb also said a crisis response team will be available at the high school “to provide support for the family, friends, classmates, teachers, and other school staff. Our hearts are broken for the family’s loss and our prayers are with them as they mourn. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

The type of drill the 9th grader was involved in and his prior medical history were not immediately made public.

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