West Virginia middle school football player dies of apparent practice-related injuries; community and state mourn loss

[mahatmakanejeeves]

West Virginia middle school football player dies of apparent practice-related injuries; community and state mourn loss

Aug 25, 2024

MADISON, W.Va. (WV News) — A West Virginia middle school football player died Saturday after apparent injuries suffered Friday in practice.

Social media reports say the player, Cohen Craddock, was 13 and in the 8th grade.

“Today we’re all Madison Middle School Redhawks and our hearts are heavy with the unimaginable loss of a bright young athlete in our community,” the Boone County Sheriff’s Department posted on Facebook.

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Father reveals more details in death of West Virginia 13-year-old football player

Jordan Mead, Sam DeCoste, and Isaac Taylor
1 day ago


Cohen Craddock

BOONE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — The father of 13-year-old Cohen Craddock, who died after being injured during football practice, has revealed more information on his death.

Ryan Craddock told 7News news partner 13 News that his son was in his second year playing football for Madison Middle School.

On Friday evening, Cohen was practicing as a defensive lineman when he went for a tackle and took a bad hit to his head, according to his father.

He said Cohen got back up, took a couple of steps, and went unconscious; he wouldn’t gain consciousness again, his father told 13 News. In the ambulance, it was found he had low oxygen levels and his brain was swelling.

Cohen would pass away at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

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[democratsruletheday]

1. It's a brutal sport...RIP to this young man

we live in Michigan and football is just about as popular here as it is any state in America. That said, my 18 year old son has been recruited to play since about age 11. But we've held firm that he's not allowed to play. Instead he's a water polo goalie and as a Jr. last year they won the state championship. He sustained two cracked ribs in the deciding game and his teammates have had concussions along the way but we're still content with our decision. Just too much can go wrong in a violent, collision sport like football.

[biophile]

2. American gladiators

It is indeed a rough sport. That said, any sport has risk. My grandson plays football and is very good. Colleges are already looking at him as a freshman. But he had his worst head hit (so far) falling on the hardwood during a school basketball game. But I wish he didn’t play football - he’s also very smart and I want to protect that beautiful mind!