UPDATE

The New Brockton High School football player who passed away after suffering a medical emergency on Tuesday has been identified as 14-year-old Semaj Wilkins, according to Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham.

Mr. Wilkins, who was a varsity player, was also a freshman at New Brockton High School.

“While additional details will be released later, I am asking the community to continue to be in prayer for his family, his teammates, his coaches, and all effected by the tragic loss of Mr. Wilkins,” Woodham said.

UPDATE

NEW BROCKTON, Ala. (WTVY) – Coffee County Schools Superintendent Kelly Cobb sent us the following statement Tuesday evening regarding the situation:

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.

ORIGINAL

NEW BROCKTON, Ala. (WTVY) – A New Brockton football player died after collapsing during drills on Tuesday afternoon.

Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham sent a statement to News4 confirming that player was transported to Medical Center Enterprise by Enterprise Rescue where he passed away.

“This is a very emotional time for the family and Emergency Responders involved. There will be more information released at a later time. Please respect and pray for the family during this difficult time,” Woodham said.

Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd said his office, the New Brockton Police Department and the Coffee County District Attorney James Tarbox’s office will conduct a joint investigation which Byrd termed “routine.”

The type of drill the 9th grader was involved in and his prior medical history were not immediately made public.

New Brockton’s football team is scheduled to start their 2024 season on August 23 at Pike Liberal Arts.