A 12-year-old member of Clayton Valley Little League died on Sunday due to a “severe medical emergency” following youth football practice at Clayton Valley Charter High School in California.
Braden Fahey, a middle schooler and young football player, had to be rushed to Stanford hospital on Friday evening at 7:25 after experiencing a medical emergency during a football practice.
Two days after he was brought to the hospital, he passed away.
“With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of our jr. varsity football athlete. As many of you are aware our jr. varsity athlete unexpectedly experienced a medical emergency unrelated to the sport of football Friday during our evening football practice,” Clayton Valley Athletic Association announced on Sunday.
“As a result of the tragic event on Friday, our jr. varsity athlete passed away earlier today. We ask for continued prayers for the Fahey family,” the statement concluded.
In an email to the school community, Principal Peter Fong wrote that Braden’s death came “suddenly and very unexpectedly,” as reported by the Mercury News.
“My understanding was that it was a football practice but that the student was not playing football at the time,” according to Alison Bacigalupo, the high school’s director of curriculum and instruction.
It’s unclear what caused the medical emergency.
Braden’s friends created a fundraising campaign to lessen the unexpected financial burden the Fahey family is now facing with the loss of their son.
“We are all devastated by the tragic loss of Braden, who suffered a severe medical emergency that took his life unexpectedly on August 7,” according to the GoFundMe page. “We are asking the community to come together to lighten the unanticipated financial burden as the family grieves the loss of their young son.”
Starting on Thursday, the first day of school, his school plans to honor him throughout the school year. Tributes have poured in following Braden’s death.
“Our hearts are broken for the Fahey family. We send our deepest condolences to your entire family in this devastating time. We wish you peace, comfort, courage, and send endless amounts of love to you all. You are all in our hearts,” a family friend wrote.
“Our thoughts are with the family and teammates of Braden Fahey, a football player for the Clayton Valley Athletic Association who collapsed during football practice at Clayton Valley Charter High School. #1in300AtRisk,” Parents Heart Watch wrote.
“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of this child. Sending thoughts, prayers and love to our fellow youth football community,” Martinez Youth Football and Cheer wrote.
