Community mourns middle school student who dies after injury during training

MADISON, W.Va. (WCHS) — A community is mourning the loss of a Madison Middle School athlete who died Saturday as a result of an injury sustained during football practice.

According to a post from Roane County High School, 13-year-old Cohen Craddock died after falling into a coma as a result of an injury sustained during football practice Friday night.

“We know how painful it is to lose a player. Pray for his family, pray for his teammates and coaches, pray for classmates and friends, and pray for his community,” the post said.

Several other schools also sent their condolences to Craddock's community, friends and family.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the Madison Middle School Redhawks in Boone County as they deal with the loss of a young football player and friend, Cohen Craddock #75,” Winfield Middle School said in a statement. “The WMS football team is praying for the entire community during this difficult time.”

In another post, the Boone County Sheriff's Office urged the community to come together in a moment of loss.

“We ask that you please keep the young man's family, friends, coaches, teammates, teachers and rescue team in mind and pray for him during this incredibly difficult time,” the post said. “Losing someone at such a young age is heartbreaking, and our entire community feels the weight of this loss.”

The details of Craddock's injuries are not yet known.

This story will be updated as more information and reactions are received.