New Brockton High School Community Grieves the Loss of Freshman Football Player Semaj Wilkins

The New Brockton High School community is reeling from the tragic loss of Semaj Wilkins, a 14-year-old freshman football player, who passed away after collapsing during a practice session on Tuesday. Coffee County coroner Arnold Woodham confirmed the young athlete's identity, expressing the profound sorrow that has gripped the school and local community.

In a show of respect and solidarity, Heath Harmon, Executive Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), led a moment of silence in memory of Wilkins during the AHSAA Media Day held in Montgomery. The gesture was a poignant reminder of the close-knit nature of high school sports communities across Alabama.

The news of Semaj Wilkins' passing has rippled through the town, with coaches, school staff, and public figures taking to social media to offer their condolences and support. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wilkins family and the entire New Brockton community," Harmon said, echoing the sentiments of many who have been deeply affected by the tragedy.

In light of the heartbreaking incident, New Brockton head coach Jason Barnett announced on Wednesday that the upcoming scrimmage against Barbour County has been canceled. The decision reflects the team's focus on mourning and healing rather than competition at this difficult time.

Late Tuesday night, Coffee County Superintendent Kelly Cobb issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging the profound impact of the loss on the school system. "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," Cobb said. She also noted that the Coffee County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office have initiated an investigation into the incident, with full cooperation from the school system.

Starting Wednesday, the school has activated its crisis response team, which includes counselors, pastors, and other support staff, to assist students, staff, and the community in coping with the tragedy. "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," Cobb concluded.

The loss of Semaj Wilkins has left an indelible mark on New Brockton High School, and the community continues to rally together, offering support and compassion in the face of this unimaginable sorrow.