Superintendent releases statement on death of Port St. Joe student

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Gulf District Schools Superintendent Jim Norton has released a statement regarding the tragic death of a high school athlete who collapsed on the field Friday night.

Port St. Joe High School star football player Chance Gainer, 18, was on the field as PSJ played against Liberty High School in Bristol when he collapsed.

Norton released the following statement on Saturday:

The tragic loss of Chance Gainer, a 12th grader at Port St. Joe High School, has left our community in deep mourning. He was a remarkable athlete, a beloved teammate and overall an exceptional young man who loved Jesus. Chance was quiet, but exuded an enchanting warmth and genuineness that drew people to him. Principal Sissy Godwin says of Chance, “You might not have heard Chance in the crowd, but you could see his smile from across the room.” School staff and friends, as well as community clergy, gathered at Port St. Joe High School after the tragedy just to be together and show their love to the family, who joined them once they returned to town. Superintendent Jim Norton expressed that this was perhaps the most heartbreaking situation imaginable for a family and community, but at the same time it was an indescribably heartwarming experience to see the community pour out all of their love to the family and Chance's teammates and coaches. Please pray for Chance's parents – JJ and Gal Gainer – his siblings and extended family, friends, teammates and coaches. We want the Gainer family to feel that they are not alone in this heartbreaking moment.

God bless this family and all of you.

Jim Norton

Norton told NewsChannel 7 Friday night that grief counselors will be called to the school to help students and staff as the community mourns Grainer. Norton said next Friday's game against Blountstown has already been postponed.

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