John T. Morgan Academy’s junior quarterback, Caden Tellier, age 16, from Selma, Alabama, succumbed to a brain injury on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The fatal injury occurred during the third quarter of the season opener against Southern Academy on Friday night when Tellier was tackled while carrying the football. Despite the tragedy, Morgan Academy emerged victorious in the game with a 30-22 score.
After the injury, Tellier was airlifted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. However, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away the following day.
The headmaster of the school, Bryan Oliver, confirmed the cause of death as a ruptured blood vessel in Tellier’s brain, resulting from what initially seemed to be a routine play. Oliver expressed profound condolences for the loss, emphasizing Tellier’s impactful presence in the school as a student, friend, athlete, and faithful Christian.
Further expressing his sympathy to Tellier’s family, Oliver reiterated the school’s unwavering support during this trying period. He noted the widespread support from other schools and individuals, assuring that Tellier’s legacy would live on.
Tellier was an impressive athlete, contributing significantly to both the school’s football and baseball teams. During his sophomore football season, he amassed 1,228 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in eight games. In the baseball season, he maintained a .311 batting average over 17 games, hitting two home runs, driving in 10 runs, and scoring 21 times.
Parents of Caden, Arsella Slagel Tellier and Jamie Tellier, expressed their grief over their son’s passing on Facebook, stating that Caden had now met Jesus. They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and requested continued support during the challenging days to come.
They described Caden as a kind, generous, and loving individual whose influence extended to all who knew him. In his death, he continued his legacy of giving through organ donations. The parents shared their intention to spend the next few days with his physical body, comforted by the belief that his spirit was rejoicing in heaven.
The Tellier family is receiving an overwhelming amount of support from the local and wider community. A GoFundMe page set up to help with medical, life-flight, and funeral costs has already raised over $77,000.
Caden Tellier’s death follows the recent passing of another Alabama high school football player, 14-year-old Semaj Wilkins, who collapsed during a practice session.