Shock, Grief Follow Deaths of Youth Football Player, Coach

People around South Jersey reacted with extreme sadness Friday to the news that a 9-year-old youth football player and coach died Thursday evening in an accident while leaving a football scrimmage at the Vineland sports complex.

As news broke about this tragedy on Friday morning, I watched as others reacted on social media with disbelief, shock, and sadness and others offered prayers and comfort to the families.

Social Media Reactions to a South Jersey Tragedy

The Cape Atlantic Jr Football League, of which the Upper Township Indians and the Vineland Blitz youth team were members, sent condolences...

It is with great sadness and with Extremely Heavy hearts that the CAJFL is announcing the passing of (2) members of our Youth Football community.

In a tragic accident, the life of a Vineland Blitz youth football coach, as well as an Upper Township Youth Football player were lost last evening.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of both and to there respective organizations, Administrators, Coaches, Cheer and Football alike, as well as all of the behind the scenes volunteers that will be affected by this horrific loss.
We stand by you…
We support you..
We grieve with you..
May your souls rest in peace.

#23 #CoachAddi

The Brigantine Rams, who had a game scheduled for Sunday against Upper Township sent condolences...

Ramily & Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I announce, there will be NO game or practices Friday or this weekend.
A young Upper Township player lost his life in a car accident last night along with a coach from Vineland while leaving a scrimmage.
Our organizations and the league are cancelling our Rams v Upper home games for Sunday. We will let you know any and all information for a make up game as soon as we know.
Please keep these organizations and their families in your prayers.
As a showing of solidarity and brotherhood we ask that you make the photo below your profile picture or cover photo for the weekend.
Thank you for your continued support.

Coach Joe

The Upper Township PTO posted condolences and information about grief counselor availability...

While loss in any situation or under any circumstance is heartbreaking, there are no words to accurately describe the loss of a child. As we learn of the tragic and unexpected passing of an Upper Township student, our hearts and thoughts are entirely with the immediate family as well as the extended family within the Upper Township staff and students.

We thank the leaders of the Upper Township School District for providing a team of counselors, social workers, and members of the traumatic loss coalition to assist us through this tremendous and devastating misfortune. We as the PTO are here to assist anyone and everyone who needs assistance.

We as a community are stronger together and have an incredible talent to rally when one of us is in need. That is exactly what our intentions are in this situation.

And, especially heartbreaking, was the post from the Upper Indians Football team.

Our organization and community is grieving the loss of #23, a bright and talented peewee player who touched the hearts of everyone around him.
In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
We believe that coming together to support one another and honor his memory is the most important thing we can do right now.
We ask everyone to hold the ones they love close and cherish the moments we have. Let's remember #23 for the joy he brought to the field and the impact he made on all of us.Rest in peace#23. You will always be an Indian and in our hearts.