New Brockton High School football player who died Tuesday identified, report says

The New Brockton High School football player who died after collapsing at practice on Tuesday has been identified, WTYV reported on Wednesday.

The athlete was identified as 14-year-old Semaj Wilkins, Coffee County coroner Arnold Woodham told the station. He was a freshman at New Brockton High School.

Heath Harmon, executive director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, had a moment of silence honoring Wilkins prior to the AHSAA Media Day in Montgomery.

Other coaches, school employees and public officials have been active on social media in showing their support for the community.

“The family, that community and that school, they’re in our thoughts and prayers,” Harmon said.

New Brockton coach Jason Barnett confirmed on Wednesday that the scheduled scrimmage against Barbour County has been canceled.

Coffee County superintendent Kelly Cobb released the following statement late Tuesday night:

“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. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation, and the Coffee County School System will fully cooperate with both agencies. Starting tomorrow, we will have our crisis response team which includes counselors, pastors, and other support staff available at New Brockton High School to provide support for the family, friends, classmates, teachers, and other school staff. 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.”