Semaj Wilkins, a freshman and varsity football player at New Brockton High School in Alabama, tragically died suddenly on Tuesday afternoon after collapsing during a routine football practice.
He was only 14 years old.
New Brockton High School freshman Semaj Wilkins, 14, died after collapsing from a "medical emergency" during pre-practice warmups Thursday.https://t.co/hsrAcMUGoh pic.twitter.com/qEdMqA8Syl
— Alabama High School On SI (@SBLiveAL) August 16, 2024
According to Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham, Semaj was participating in drills when he suffered an unspecified medical emergency.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being transported to Medical Center Enterprise, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival, as reported by WSAZ3.
“While additional details will be released later, I am asking the community to continue to be in prayer for his family, his teammates, his coaches, and all effected by the tragic loss of Mr. Wilkins,” Woodham said.
Coffee County Schools Superintendent Kelly Cobb released a statement statement per 1819 News:
Our Coffee County School System family is grieving the loss of a New Brockton High School freshman who passed away after a medical emergency late this afternoon. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation, and the Coffee County School System will fully cooperate with both agencies. Starting tomorrow, we will have our crisis response team which includes counselors, pastors, and other support staff available at New Brockton High School to provide support for the family, friends, classmates, teachers, and other school staff. Our hearts are broken for the family’s loss and our prayers are with them as they mourn. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.
The cause of Semaj’s death has not yet been revealed.
Lotoya Bethea, Semaj’s mother, posted a statement on Facebook, saying, “God, I thank you for another day, but waking up to the reality that Semaj Wilkins, my other son, as Regina Regena Johnson-Adams and I always say, is truly gone to be with the Lord is just not registering. My heart and soul cry out for these young people. So many are hurting right now, and we must pray and embrace these children. My son, Isaiha, had a very restless night, but this too shall pass, and we will understand it better by and by. To all of the family, my prayers are with you, and we will get through this with God on our side. Thank you, Lord, for the years you gave us with him. Take your rest now, baby. I love you, Semaj.”
