West Virginia boy dies in football practice collision this month

Cohen Craddock, a compassionate 13-year-old eighth grader from Madison Middle School in West Virginia, tragically died following a collision during football practice. The incident occurred on a Friday, and Cohen succumbed to his injuries the following Saturday. His father described the accident as a result of Cohen falling and hitting his head, which led to brain swelling and ultimately brain death. This incident marks the third death of a student football player within a few weeks, highlighting the dangers associated with the sport. Cohen was not only passionate about football but also had a love for tennis and was actively involved in his church youth group. His aspirations of becoming an engineer were cut short by this tragic event. The family is currently awaiting the autopsy report to understand the full circumstances surrounding Cohen's death. In light of this tragedy, his father has advocated for enhanced safety measures in youth football, suggesting that players wear helmets with additional soft-shell coverings for better protection. Despite the father's concerns, studies have shown that these helmet coverings do not provide significant benefits in preventing injuries. The loss of Cohen has deeply affected his school community, where he was cherished by classmates and staff alike. Boone County Schools expressed their sorrow, emphasizing the impact of his passing on the entire school environment. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in youth sports and the need for ongoing discussions about player safety and protective measures to prevent future tragedies.