13-year-old football player dies from head injury in West Virginia practice

A tragic incident occurred during a middle school football practice in West Virginia, where 13-year-old Cohen Craddock suffered a severe head injury. After making a tackle, he initially stood up but collapsed shortly after, leading to a medical emergency. His father reported that Cohen's oxygen levels were critically low during the ambulance ride to the hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to brain bleeding and swelling caused by the injury. Cohen was an eighth grader at Madison Middle School, where he played as a defensive lineman. His principal described him as a polite and intelligent young man who was cherished by the school community. The incident has raised concerns about player safety in youth sports, particularly regarding head injuries. In light of this tragedy, Cohen's father has expressed a desire to advocate for better protective measures for young athletes. He plans to promote the use of soft-shell helmet covers, known as Guardian Caps, to help prevent similar injuries in the future. This incident is part of a worrying trend, as it follows other recent fatalities in youth football, including a high school quarterback in Alabama who died from a head injury during a game. The loss of Cohen Craddock has sparked discussions about the safety protocols in youth sports and the need for improved protective equipment. His family hopes that by sharing their story, they can help prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.