Alabama high school quarterback dies from brain injury

Caden Tellier, a high school football player at Morgan Academy (Alabama), died Saturday after being seriously injured during his team's season-opening game Friday night, according to a report by the Associated Press. He was 16 years old and a member of the class of 2026.

Tellier suffered what was later determined to be a severe brain injury in the third quarter of Morgan Academy's game against Southern Academy on Friday night in Selma, Alabama. He was flown by helicopter to the University of Alabama's Birmingham Hospital.

Tellier's parents announced the heartbreaking news of their son's death via a social media post on Facebook on Saturday. Here is their message.

“Our boy Caden Tellier has met Jesus face to face. We are grateful for all your prayers and pray for you in the difficult days ahead. Everyone who knows Caden has experienced kindness, generosity and love, and true to his nature, he gives of himself once again. His life touched lives, and now lives are being saved through his death. We will walk by his side in his earthly body for the next few days, knowing that his spirit rejoices in heaven.”

Morgan Academy Principal Dr. Bryan Oliver announced that all school athletic activities will be canceled for the next two weeks, including the football game scheduled for this Friday at Wilcox Academy.

Dr. Olviver also made the following statement to Al.com.

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that Caden Tellier has gone to be with his Lord and Savior. Caden loved the Lord with all his heart and was a shining light every day he graced the halls of Morgan Academy. He was a student, a friend, an athlete, and most of all, a follower of Christ.

There are no words to describe how we feel as a school community and family. We will come together and support Jamie, Arsella and Lyla with all our hearts. Our deepest condolences also go out to the extended Tellier family.

I want to thank all the schools and individuals who helped during this difficult time. Caden will forever be remembered for who he was and what he meant to Morgan Academy.

Morgan Academy is a member of the Alabama Independent Schools Association (AISA), and the association's executive director, Michael McLendon, also commented to Al.com.

“At AISA, we are a close-knit school family and our hearts are heavy,” McLendon said. “As a small school, Morgan Academy feels this tragedy even more deeply. We ask our entire AISA family and the people of Alabama to join us in praying for peace and comfort for Caden's family and the Morgan Academy community as they get through this difficult time.

“I want to thank all the schools and individuals who helped us during this difficult time,” McLendon said. “Caden will never be forgotten, no matter who he was and what he means to Morgan Academy.”

Tellier threw a touchdown pass and scored another point in the first half of the game, which his team won 30-22. The injury occurred in the third quarter.